Was

.

i

t

.

just

a

honeymoon

–

–

which

brewed

–

–

those

me~s

.

a

n

d

.

you~s

.

a

n

d

.

I

love

you~s

.

i

n

t

o

.

those

wondrous,

–

–

forever

afternoons . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ those

wondrous,

–

–

forever

afternoons . . .

–

–

where

everything

–

–

seemed

.

s

o

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

so

easy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

so

true . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ those

wondrous,

–

–

forever

afternoons . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

music

–

–

wrote

.

t

h

e

.

tunes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

whispers

stirred

.

t

h

e

.

moods . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

those

rollaway

rooms

.

o

f

.

moons,

.

a

n

d

.

Mars,

.

a

n

d

.

Neptune . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

making

.

t

h

e

.

moves

.

o

f

.

youth

.

s

o

.

smooth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

made

.

t

h

e

.

moves

.

o

f

.

youth

.

s

o

.

smooth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

every

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

all

afternoon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

made

.

t

h

e

.

moves

.

o

f

.

youth

.

s

o

.

smooth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

made

.

t

h

e

.

moves

.

o

f

.

youth

.

s

o

.

smooth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

made

.

t

h

e

.

moves

.

o

f

.

youth

.

s

o

.

smooth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

me

.

a

n

d

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

rollaway

rooms

.

o

f

.

moons,

.

a

n

d

.

Mars,

.

a

n

d

.

Neptune . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

.

t

h

e

.

rollaway

rooms

.

o

f

.

moons,

.

a

n

d

.

Mars,

.

a

n

d

.

Neptune . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

a

honeymoon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ of

a

honeymoon

–

–

still

.

i

n

.

bloom.

Reflection: This was a popular romantic-themed poem that I wrote back in July 2020. In this poem, the contemplator looks back fondly on an old romance back in the days of youth.

I used the song “When Will I See You Again” by The Three Degrees playing in the background at low volume to create the “moodset” for this poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me,

–

–

who

–

h

a

d

–

been

whipped

–

a

n

d

–

beat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me

–

–

who

–

w

a

s
–

forced

–

t

o

–

feel

empty,

–

a

n

d

–

cold,

–

a

n

d

–

weak . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

they

–

–

made

–

y

o

u

–

scream

–

a

n

d

–

bleed,

–

b

u

t

–

did

–

n

o

t

–

feed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was
me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me

–

w

h

o

–

would

offer

–

–

soothing

relief . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ who

would

–

b

e

–

the

one

–

t

o

–

grant

–

y

o

u

–

release,

–

–

from

–

a

l

l

–

they

forced

you

–

t

o

–

feel,

–

a

n

d

–

see,

–

a

n

d

–

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me

–

–

who

freed

–

y

o

u

–

from

all

–

o

f

–

these,

–

m

y

–

sweet . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

those

terrifying

days

–

o

f

–

such

innocent

age

–

a

n

d

–

belief . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

who

walked

–

w

i

t

h

–

blistering

feet

–

–

upon

–

t

h

e

–

fires

–

o

f

–

flaming

heat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me

–

w

h

o

–

screamed,

–

a

n

d

–

screamed,

–

a

n

d

–

screamed,

–

a

n

d

–

screamed

–

–

against

–

t

h

e

–

bitter,

–

–

bloodthirsty,

–

–

bullet

machines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

biting,

–

a

n

d

–

blazing,

–

a

n

d

–

blasting

ceaselessly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

o

–

–

–

did

bleed

–

u

p

o

n

–

the

barbed

–

–

wire

strings . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

wrapping

around,

–

a

n

d

–

around,

–

a

n

d

–

around,

–

a

n

d

–

around . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

–

y

o

u

–

could

–

–

barely

breathe

–

o

r

–

make

a

sound . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

cutting . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

choking . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

crushing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

your

every

–

–

want . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

need . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

hope . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i
t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

now

I

know . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

now

I

know . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

all

those

days

–

o

f

–

pain

–

w

i

l

l

–

never

–

g

o

–

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

.

w

i

l

l

.

never

–

g

o

–

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

try

–

t

o

–

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

try

–

t

o

–

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

all

behind

a

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

I

can

see

–

t

h

e

–

hurt

–

–

behind

–

y

o

u

r

–

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

can

–

–

hear

that

cry

–

i

n

–

the

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

can

–

–

hear

that

cry

–

i

n

–

the

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

know

–

i

t

–

may

–

b

e

–

both

–

t

o

o

–

hard

–

t

o

–

remain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

too

hard

–

t

o

–

escape . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

 know

–

i

t

–

may . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

know

–

i

t

–

may

–

b

e

–

both

–

t

o

o

–

hard

–

t

o

–

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

too

hard

–

t

o

–

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

know

–

i

t

–

may . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

let

–

m

e

–

stay . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

help

–

y

o

u

–

turn

–

t

h

e

–

page . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ let

.

m

e

.

stay . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

help

–

y

o

u

–

turn

–

t

h

e

–

page . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ away

from

–

t

h

e

–

storming

winds

–

a

n

d

–

rains

–

o

f

–

yesterday’s

hurricanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ away

from

–

t

h

o

s

e

–

roaring

lanes

–

o

f

–

haste,

–

a

n

d

–

waste,

–

a

n

d

–

raging

hate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ away

from

–

t

h

e

–

fray

–

o

f

–

foreboding

faraways

–

–

where

–

t

h

e

–

heartaches

–

s

t

i

l

l

–

reign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ where

.

t

h

e

.

heartaches

–

s

t

i

l

l

–

reign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

never

fade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let

–

m

e

–

stay

–

a

n

d

–

help

–

y

o

u

–

turn

–

t

h

e

–

page . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let

–

m

e

–

stay

–

a

n

d

–

help

–

y

o

u

–

turn

–

t

h

e

–

page . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

a

new

day . . .

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

not

only

–

a

m

–

I

awed

–

a

n

d

–

amazed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

I

–

s

o

–

appreciate

–

t

h

a

t

–

somehow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

someway . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

you

–

a

r

e

–

still

–

–

here

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

.

a

r

e

.

still

–

–

here

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

right

here

–

i

n

–

this
place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

even

though

–

o

u

r

–

time

–

i

s

–

far

–

t

o

o

–

late . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

promise

–

a

l

l

–

along

–

t

h

e

–

way

–

–

that

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

we

–

a

r

e

–

finally

together

again,

–

–

sweet

friend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

will

–

–

spend

each

–

a

n

d

–

every

day

–

–

that

remains . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

soothing

–

t

h

e

–

pain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

erasing

–

t

h

e

–

hate . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

trying

–

t

o

–

make

–

y

o

u

–

feel

loved

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ trying

.

t

o

.

make

–

y

o

u

–

smile

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ trying

.

t

o

.

give

–

y

o

u

–

hope

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

promise

this

–

u

n

t

i

l

–

the

very

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

my

sweet,

–

–

precious

friend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

not

many

names

–

–

who

have

passed

–

y

o

u

r

–

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ not

many

names

–

–

who

have

carried

–

s

u

c

h

–

weight

–

a

t

–

such

a

young

–

a

n

d

–

tender

age . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

have

ever

–

–

been

able

–

t

o

–

break

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ have

ever

–

–

been

able

–

t

o

–

break

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

the

reach

–

o

f

–

that

dark

–

a

n

d

–

dismal

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ that

dark

–

a

n

d

–

dismal

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

–

t

h

e

–

heartaches

–

s

t

i

l

l

–

reign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ where

.

t

h

e

.

heartaches

–

s

t

i

l

l

–

reign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

now,

I

–

w

i

l

l

–

slow

–

t

h

e

–

pace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

try

–

t

o

–

paint

away

–

a

l

l

–

those

shades

–

o

f

–

ghastly

grays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

warmly

try

–

t

o

–

erase

–

–

all

–

t

h

e

–

ways

–

t

h

e

y

–

made

–

y

o

u

–

ache . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

e

.

ways

–

t

h

e

y

–

made

–

y

o

u

–

break . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

d

o

w

n

–

–

–

to

–

t

h

e

–

most

stubborn

stain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

d

o

w

n

–

–

–

to

–

t

h

e

–

most

subtle

trace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

all

–

t

h

e

–

hurt

–

y

o

u

–

were

forced

–

t

o

–

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

for

all

–

o

f

–

the

misery . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

hostility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

daunting

defeat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

believe

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ believe

me,

–

–

my

sweet

–

a

n

d

–

precious

dear . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ much

more

–

t

h

a

n

–

anything . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

wish

–

i

t

–

was

me.

Reflection:

This was a poem which became popular in a unique way: usually, when I write and publish a poem it usually either catches on right away or it doesn’t. Well, this one caught on somewhat when I first released it – but for some reason got even more attention when people gave it a second look. I’m not sure why that happened, but it became even more popular the second time.

This poem might make you cry. Most anyone who has deeply loved another – especially the innocent who may have suffered in their past – will probably strongly relate to this poem and experience a powerful emotional response to it.

I wrote this poem in reflection of the movie “War Horse.” I used the music from the song “Adeline” by Alt-J, at low volume, to create the “moodset” while writing this poem. So, if you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

I

.

took

.

a

.

spinning

.

d

i

v

e

.

.

.

.

.

.

into

.

a

.

smile

.

o

f

.

starshine,

–

–

when

.

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

into

those

–

–

soothing

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

.

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

into

those

–

–

soothing

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

so

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

so

bright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

so

filled

.

w

i

t

h

.

divine

highs,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

shimmering

styles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

midnight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

beamed

.

a

n

d

.

bounced

.

a

l

l

.

around

.

a

l

l

.

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

beamed

.

a

n

d

.

bounced

.

a

l

l

.

around

.

a

l

l

.

night

.

i

n

.

that

–

–

warming

wine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

that

–

–

warming

wine

.

o

f

.

stunning,

–

–

cosmic

design . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 All

night

.

I

.

w

a

s

.

kissed

.

b

y

.

that

moonlight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

All

night

.

I

.

w

a

s

.

warmed

.

b

y

.

those

dancing,

–

–

dazzling

dreams

.

o

f

.

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

took

.

a

.

spinning

.

d

i

v

e

.

.

.

.

.

.

I

.

took

.

a

.

spinning

.

d

i

v

e

.

.

.

.

.

.

I

.

took

.

a

.

spinning

.

d

i

v

e

.

.

.

.

.

.

into

starshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

I

.

looked

.

i

n

t

o

.

those

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

.

I

.

looked

.

i

n

t

o

.

those

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

very

–

–

first

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

smiled.

Reflection: This was a popular romantic-themed poem I wrote back in June of 2020 about a romantic encounter in which there was an immediate attraction – it happens rarely for me but I’m sure it probably happens more often for others. I played two wonderful songs by Planetarium: “Mercury,” and “Saturn,” and the poem pretty much wrote itself from those (playing the songs repeatedly on low volume to create the “moodset” for the poem). If you listen to these songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

You

say

.

y

o

u

.

feel

.

s

o

.

alone,

.

.

a

l

l

.

.

along

.

t

h

a

t

.

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

along

.

t

h

a

t

.

raw

.

a

n

d

.

rugged

road

.

t

o

.

the

unknown . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

it

will

.

a

l

l

.

soon

.

b

e

.

shown . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

begin

.

t

o

.

feel

.

m

o

r

e

.

like

home . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

will

.

a

l

l

.

begin

.

t

o

.

make

sense . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beyond

.

t

h

e

.

entrance

of

.

t

h

e

.

passing

tense . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

now

.

m

y

.

friend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ for

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

approaches

.

t

h

e

.

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

end,

.

.

o

f

.

.

the

beginning,

.

.

o

f

.

.

the

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

end,

.

.

o

f

.

.

the

beginning,

.

.

o

f

.

.

the

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

even

when

.

t

h

a

t

.

which

.

i

s

.

lost,

–

–

goes

where

.

i

t

.

might

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

there

.

a

r

e

.

always

reasons

.

t

o

.

hold

on

.

t

o

.

hope . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there

.

a

r

e

.

always

reasons

.

t

o

.

glimmer

.

a

n

d

.

glow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

–

–

–

matter

what

.

i

s

.

lost,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

where

.

i

t

.

might

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

always

know

.

t

h

e

.

fog

ahead

.

w

i

l

l

.

lift,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

someday

show

.

a

.

better

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

w

i

l

l

.

someday

show

.

a

.

better,

–

–

brighter

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

leading

.

t

o

.

poetic

.

places

.

unknown . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

along

.

t

h

a

t

.

open

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

along

.

t

h

a

t

.

open

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

leading

.

t

o

.

poetic

places

.

y

o

u

.

never

dreamed

.

y

o

u

.

would

go.

Reflection: This was a inspirational/hope-themed poem I wrote back in June of 2020 where the affected party is having a difficult time seeing beyond a dismal present and past – not realizing that if he or she just continues down the road things will get better. I played the wonderful song “RIP” by Emily Haines in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

I

stepped

.

i

n

t

o

.

a

.

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

didn’t

want

.

t

o

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

stepped

.

i

n

t

o

.

a

.

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

discovered

.

a

l

l

.

the

joy,

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

.

life

.

c

o

u

l

d

.

bring . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

discovered

.

a

l

l

.

the

joy,

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

.

life

.

c

o

u

l

d

.

bring . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

you

were

.

h

e

r

e

.

with

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

w

a

s

.

the

eternity

.

o

f

.

spring . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

was . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

w

a

s

.

the

dancing

–

–

days

.

o

f

.

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

was . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

eternity

.

o

f

.

spring . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

dancing

–

–

days

.

o

f

.

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

y

o

u

.

were

.

h

e

r

e

.

with

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

shimmer

.

o

f

.

the

sea,

.

.

w

a

s

.

.

made

.

f

o

r

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

w

a

s

.

made

.

f

o

r

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

all

.

a

n

d

.

everything,

.

.

w

e

.

.

could

–

–

possibly

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ it

.

w

a

s

.

all

.

a

n

d

.

everything,

.

.

w

e

.

.

could

–

–

possibly

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

you

.

a

r

e

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

.

a

m

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

you

.

a

r

e

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

.

a

m

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

that’s

.

t

h

e

.

way,

.

.

i

t

.

.

will

–

–

always

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

that’s

.

t

h

e

.

way,

.

.

i

t

.

.

will

–

–

always

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

even

though

.

i

t

.

seemed

.

t

h

a

t

.

shimmer

.

o

f

.

the

sea,

.

.

w

a

s

.

.

made

.

f

o

r

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

stepped

.

i

n

t

o

.

a

.

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

stepped

.

i

n

t

o

.

a

.

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

stepped

.

i

n

t

o

.

a

.

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

didn’t

want

.

t

o

.

leave.

Reflection: This was a forgotten romantic-themed poem I wrote back in June of 2020 where the contemplator reflects fondly on someone that he or she could have loved but could not be with for whatever reason. The contemplator continues to be teased, taunted, and haunted by the special someone in his/her dreams. I was reflecting on my mother who died several years ago and decided to honor her by playing some of the instrumental music that she used to love. I came across the Percy Faith version of the songs “Ebb Tide” and “Stella by Starlight” and played those in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. They started out as two separate poems – one for each song – but I merged them into one since they were similarly themed. If you listen to these songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

I

try,

.

a

n

d

.

try,

.

a

n

d

.

try . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

assemble

.

a

n

d

.

align

.

t

h

e

.

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

I

.

cannot

arrive

.

a

t

.

the

reasons

.

why . . .

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

I

seek

.

b

u

t

.

cannot

find . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

seek

.

b

u

t

.

cannot

find,

.

.

o

r

.

.

divide

.

t

h

e

.

lines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

cannot

.

find

.

o

r

.

divide

.

t

h

e

.

lines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

I

believe

.

I

.

w

o

u

l

d

.

rather

.

b

e

.

blind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

w

o

u

l

d

.

rather

.

b

e

.

blind,

.

a

n

d

.

at

times

.

surprised . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

than

bitter

.

a

n

d

.

unkind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

.

.

.

I

try . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

try

.

t

o

.

assemble

.

a

n

d

.

align

.

t

h

e

.

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

try

.

t

o

.

assemble

.

a

n

d

.

align

.

t

h

e

.

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

try

.

t

o

.

assemble

.

a

n

d

.

align

.

t

h

e

.

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

.

.

.

a

.

brighter

design . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

.

I

.

w

o

u

l

d

.

rather

.

blur

.

a

n

d

.

color

.

t

h

e

.

lines,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

be

blind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

w

o

u

l

d

.

rather

.

blur

.

a

n

d

.

color

.

t

h

e

.

lines,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

be

blind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

than

.

t

o

.

be

.

bitter

.

a

n

d

.

unkind.

Reflection: This was a personal struggle-themed poem I wrote back in June of 2020 where the affected party experiences a heartbreaking loss and has trouble making the pieces fit. He or she attempts to find comfort and consolation and navigate beyond the tragic event – ultimately choosing hope, warmth, and kindness even if it means believing something which may not be completely true. I played the wonderful song “RIP” by Emily Haines in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

wave

of

.

t

h

e

.

echoes

.

again

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

echoes

.

t

h

a

t

.

remain

.

i

n

.

that

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

warm

embrace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

subtle

trace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

memory

fades

.

a

n

d

.

faraways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

somedays

.

a

n

d

.

yesterdays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

somedays

.

a

n

d

.

yesterdays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

somedays

.

a

n

d

.

yesterdays . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

played,

–

–

–

.

.

.

exchanged,

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

even

erased . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

wave

of

.

t

h

e

.

echoes

.

again

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

wave

of

.

t

h

e

.

echoes

.

again

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

wave

of

.

t

h

e

.

echoes

.

again

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

almost

.

g

o

t

.

away . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

almost

.

g

o

t

.

away

.

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

those

echoes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

they

blame,

.

a

n

d

.

shame,

.

a

n

d

.

still

remain.

Reflection: This was a personal struggle-themed poem I wrote back in June of 2020 where the affected party occasionally revisits a past which haunts – leaving feelings of guilt, shame, and sorrow. I played the wonderful song “Uncertain” by Robert Deeble in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

It

.

f

e

l

l

.

as

.

a

.

whisper . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

.

whisper

.

l

e

f

t

.

unheard . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

.

do

.

n

o

t

.

know

–

–

which

.

w

a

s

.

worse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

urge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

blur . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

blister . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

the

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

I

.

yearned

.

f

o

r

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

yearned . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

yearned . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

.

yearned . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

now,

.

i

t

.

seems

–

–

such

.

a

.

curse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

seems

–

–

such

.

a

.

curse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

now,

.

I

.

know

.

y

o

u

.

were

.

t

h

e

.

first . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

now

.

.

I

.

know . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

.

y

o

u

.

were

.

t

h

e

.

first . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

I

.

could

.

n

o

t

.

form

.

t

h

e

.

words . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no,

.

I

.

could

.

n

o

t

.

form

.

t

h

e

.

words . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

.

I

.

h

a

d

.

not

learned . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

could

.

n

o

t

.

discern

.

t

h

e

.

true

magic,

–

–

measure,

–

–

meaning,

.

a

n

d

.

worth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

t

h

e

.

pages

–

–

passed

.

a

n

d

.

purged . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

.

t

h

e

.

pages

–

–

passed

.

a

n

d

.

purged . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

.

t

h

e

.

pages

–

–

passed

.

a

n

d

.

purged . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

years

–

–

just

burned

.

a

n

d

.

blurred . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

years

–

–

just

burned

.

a

n

d

.

blurred . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

along

.

w

i

t

h

.

that

urge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ along

.

w

i

t

h

.

that

urge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

that

whisper

.

l

e

f

t

.

unheard.

Reflection: This was a popular romantic-themed poem that I wrote back in April of 2020 as a reflection on missed romantic opportunities. I had so many of those earlier in my life and they would taunt and haunt me. I would always beat myself up about them – telling myself that I should have said something, or that I should have done something but didn’t. It took a while for me to overcome my shyness in that respect.

I played the song “I’m Not in Love” by 10cc repeatedly at low volume in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

There

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

moment,

–

–

when

.

t

h

e

.

music

.

o

f

.

youth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

danced

.

w

i

t

h

.

two

.

i

n

.

tune . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

the

.

m

a

d

.

martini

moon

.

c

a

m

e

.

into

bloom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

rush

.

of

.

t

h

e

.

raving

roar

.

o

f

.

that

flickering,

–

–

spinning

room . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

anything

.

t

o

o

.

good

.

t

o

.

be

true,

–

–

happened

.

t

o

o

.

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

almost

knew

–

–

just

what

.

t

o

.

do . . .

.

.

.

–

–

–

 ~ it

almost

knew,

–

–

just

what

.

t

o

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

the

moment

moved . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

.

t

h

e

.

moment

moved . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

the

magic

.

o

f

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

moment . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

then

.

i

t

.

was

gone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ gone

with

.

t

h

e

.

summer

song . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ gone

with

.

t

h

e

.

dreaming

dawn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ gone

with

.

t

h

e

.

awkward

rights

.

a

n

d

.

wrongs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

night

long . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

on,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

on,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

on,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

moment . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

moment . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

moment . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

moved

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

magic

.

o

f

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

moved . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

moved . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

moved . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

the

magic

.

o

f

.

the

mood . . .

.

.

.

–

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

–

almost

knew . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

.

i

t

.

almost

knew . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

just

what

.

t

o

.

do.

Reflection: This was a romantic-themed poem I wrote back in April of 2020 where the contemplator looks back on the short-lived magic of young but awkward romances experienced in the days of youth – and ponders whether anything as wondrous might ever be experienced again. I played the excellent song “Strange Magic” by E.L.O. in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

All

across

.

t

h

e

.

land

.

o

f

.

the

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

across

.

t

h

e

.

land

.

o

f

.

the

self-serving . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

there

.

w

a

s

.

a

certainty . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there

.

w

a

s

.

a

certainty . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

there

–

–

would

be

.

n

o

.

need

.

f

o

r

.

worry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no

need

.

f

o

r

.

worry

.

i

n

.

the

land

.

o

f

.

the

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

land

.

o

f

.

the

self-serving . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

it

would

.

b

e

.

gone

.

b

y

.

spring . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

.

i

t

.

would

.

b

e

.

gone

.

b

y

.

spring . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

such

words

.

f

e

l

l

.

so

sweetly,

–

–

upon

.

t

h

e

.

armies

discreetly

–

–

never

seen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

marching

.

t

h

e

.

disease

.

f

r

o

m

.

across

.

t

h

e

.

seas . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

city,

.

b

y

.

city,

.

b

y

.

city . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

street,

.

b

y

.

street,

.

b

y

.

street . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ this

Covid-19 . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

with

.

s

o

.

many

suffering,

.

a

n

d

.

crying,

.

a

n

d

.

dying . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

what

does

.

i

t

.

mean?

–

–

–

.

.

.

what

does

.

i

t

.

really

mean?

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ this

Covid-19 . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

each,

.

a

n

d

.

all,

.

a

n

d

.

every

member

.

o

f

.

those

–

–

select

societies

.

o

f

.

bickering

teams

.

a

n

d

.

self-serving

deceit . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

complacency . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

conceit . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

refusing

.

t

o

.

believe,

.

a

n

d

.

taking

.

t

o

.

the

streets . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

screaming:

“It’s my economy!”

“So set me free!”

–

–

–

.

.

.

“It’s my economy!”

“So give me liberty!”

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

.

i

f

.

you

don’t . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

.

i

f

.

you

don’t . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

will

still

.

d

o

.

as

I

please!

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

will

still

.

d

o

.

as

I

please!

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

I

will

still

.

b

e

.

having

.

m

y

.

parties!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

will

still

.

b

e

.

engaging

.

i

n

.

my

social

activities!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

will

still

.

b

e

.

freely

drinking

.

a

n

d

.

dancing

.

i

n

.

the

streets!

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there’s

nothing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no,

there’s

nothing

–

–

which

.

c

a

n

.

stop

me!

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no,

nothing

–

–

which

.

c

a

n

.

stop

me!

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ not

even

.

y

o

u

r

.

decrees!

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ not

even

.

y

o

u

r

.

Covid-19!

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

the

cold

.

a

n

d

.

the

cruel,

–

–

defiant

–

–

absurdities

–

–

refused

.

t

o

.

take

heed,

–

–

even

though

minds

–

–

could

clearly

think . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

even

though

eyes

–

–

could

plainly

see

.

t

h

a

t

.

each

.

a

n

d

.

every

liberty

–

–

could

plant

.

t

h

a

t

.

seed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ could

plant

.

t

h

a

t

.

deadly

seed

.

o

f

.

doom,

.

a

n

d

.

disease,

.

a

n

d

.

dread,

.

a

n

d

.

defeat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

day,

–

–

after

day,

–

–

after

day,

–

–

after

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

week,

–

–

after

week,

–

–

after

week,

–

–

after

week . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beat,

–

–

after

beat,

–

–

after

beat,

–

–

after

beat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ this

Covid-19 . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

So,

what

will

.

t

h

e

.

final

reading

be

.

o

n

.

each

.

o

f

.

these

obscenities?

–

–

–

.

.

.

What

will

.

t

h

e

.

final

reading

.

b

e

.

when

.

t

h

e

y

.

become

.

o

u

r

.

history?

–

–

–

.

.

.

What

will

.

b

e

.

the

final

read?

–

–

–

.

.

.

What

will

.

b

e

.

the

final

read?

–

–

–

.

.

.

What

will

.

b

e

.

the

final

read?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Will

.

i

t

.

be

–

–

one

.

o

f

.

cruelty?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Will

.

i

t

.

be

–

–

one

.

o

f

.

murder?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Will

.

i

t

.

be

–

–

one

.

o

f

.

atrocity,

.

d

o

.

you

think?

–

–

–

.

.

.

defeat,

–

–

after

each

.

a

n

d

.

every

–

–

crushing

defeat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ this

Covid-19.

Reflection: This was a reflective-themed poem that I wrote back in April of 2020 when witnessing the beginnings of the Covid-19 pandemic unfold. I played the song “We Work the Black Seam” by Sting repeatedly at low volume in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.