Another

goodbye

–

–

blurs

.

m

y

.

eyesight,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

still

I

realize,

–

–

it

.

i

s

.

just

.

f

o

r

.

a

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

i

s

.

just

.

f

o

r

.

a

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

although

.

n

o

t

.

side

.

b

y

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

–

–

–

part

.

o

f

.

you

.

c

a

n

.

be

erased

.

b

y

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ nothing

.

c

a

n

.

be

erased

.

b

y

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

there

.

a

r

e

.

many

sides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

many,

–

–

many

sides

.

o

f

.

goodbye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

a

r

e

.

sides

.

t

h

a

t

.

die . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

sides

.

t

h

a

t

.

try . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

sides

.

t

h

a

t

.

know

–

–

how

.

t

o

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

a

r

e

.

sides

. 

t

h

a

t

.

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

sides

.

t

h

a

t

.

take

flight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

sides

.

t

h

a

t

.

know

.

n

o

t

.

why . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

I

.

do

.

n

o

t

.

mind,

–

–

being

blinded

.

b

y

.

every

–

–

gray

line,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

each

shaded,

–

–

chaotic

design

.

o

f

.

goodbye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

.

I

.

a

m

.

one

.

t

o

.

realize

–

–

they

add . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

add

.

t

o

.

all

.

t

h

a

t

. 

was . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

is . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

will

be

.

i

n

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

memories

.

c

a

n

.

always

.

b

e

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there’s

.

n

o

.

cause

.

t

o

.

cry,

–

–

when

.

y

o

u

.

realize,

–

–

there’s

.

s

o

.

many

reasons

.

t

o

.

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there’s

just

.

s

o

.

many

reasons

.

t

o

.

smile,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

forward

drive,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

glimmer

.

a

n

d

.

glide,

–

–

upon

those

–

–

warming

lights,

–

–

which

burned

.

s

o

.

bright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

.

o

n

c

e

.

upon

a

time,

–

–

together

.

w

e

.

smiled,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

were

part

.

o

f

.

a

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

that

starshine

–

–

which

beams

.

s

o

.

bright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

makes

.

o

n

e

.

feel

.

s

o

.

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ that

starshine

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

added

.

s

u

c

h

.

shimmer,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

hope,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

love,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

fire,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

color,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

charm . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

a

.

bold

brilliance

.

t

o

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

partly

came

.

f

r

o

m

.

each,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

all,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

every

.

p

a

s

t

.

goodbye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ every

.

p

a

s

t

.

goodbye,

–

–

which

might

.

h

a

v

e

.

otherwise,

–

–

forever

made

.

u

s

.

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

t

h

e

.

day

.

w

e

.

came

.

t

o

.

realize,

.

.

i

t

.

.

is

.

w

e

.

who

decide

–

–

which

parts

.

t

o

.

polish

.

a

n

d

.

prize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

which

parts

.

t

o

.

bury,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

leave

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ which

parts

.

o

f

.

each,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

all,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

every

–

–

goodbye

.

t

o

.

forward

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

understand

that

.

i

s

.

why . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

you

. 

a

r

e

.

you,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

I

.

a

m

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

for

that . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

.

f

o

r

.

that . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

e

–

–

–

can

smile,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

dance,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

shine,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

realize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

all

brought

.

u

s

.

to

who,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

why,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

where

.

w

e

.

are

right

.

n

o

w

.

in

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

whether

–

–

goodbye

.

f

o

r

.

now,

.

.

o

r

.

.

goodbye

–

–

forever . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

each

.

a

n

d

.

every

–

–

goodbye

.

c

a

n

.

add

a

warmth

.

t

o

.

our

shine,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

a

sparkle

.

t

o

.

our

eye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

So

yes,

–

–

another

goodbye

–

–

might

blur

.

m

y

.

eyesight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

there

.

a

r

e

. 

many

sides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

many,

–

–

many

sides

.

o

f

.

goodbye.

Reflection: This was a forgotten inspirational/hope-themed poem I wrote back in August of 2019 to help people deal with the “goodbyes” in their lives by understanding that every experience no matter how lengthy, how short, how large, how small, how powerful, or how subtle adds to the living collage that becomes who we are at any given point in time. And we result from all of those contributing parts and pieces. So, get into the practice of cherishing, loving, and appreciating all of that throughout your life. A favorite Dr. Suess quote comes to mind here: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” So, do this if you can. I played the wonderful gem of a song “Nihilist Abyss” 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.

The

–

–

“once

upon

a

time”

–

–

back

when,

.

.

f

a

l

l

s

.

.

upon

.

m

y

.

heart

again,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

it

.

m

a

y

.

never

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(it may never end ?)

I

can

see

–

–

what’s

wrong

tonight,

–

–

I

can

tell

–

– 

what’s

.

i

n

.

your

mind,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

now

.

i

s

.

not

.

t

h

e

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(now is not the time ?)

The

truth

–

–

turns

day

.

t

o

.

black,

–

–

–

 ~ the

storming

.

s

k

i

e

s

.

attack,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

there’s

.

n

o

.

turning

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(there’s no turning back ?)

<instrumental interlude>

Can’t

.

y

o

u

.

see

.

i

t

.

now ?

–

–

–

 ~ it

.

a

l

l

.

becomes

.

s

o

.

clear

somehow,

–

–

when

.

e

v

e

n

.

up

.

f

a

l

l

s

.

down . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(when up falls down ?)

Memories

.

o

f

.

all

.

t

h

a

t

.

was,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

pale

pictures

.

o

f

.

the

past,

.

.

a

r

e

.

.

all

that

.

w

e

.

have

left . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(all that we have left ?)

Memories . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Memories . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Memories . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Memories . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Memories . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

<4 times then instrumental wrap>

Reflection: This was the lyrics to an indie pop song I wrote back in July of 2019 which could also be viewed as a romantic-themed poem. All of my poetry tends to be lyrical in nature – so writing poetry to music was pretty easy for me to do. I had written the music to the song back in 1990/1991 – but did not write the lyrics until 2019. In this song/poem the contemplator confronts the decline of a once vibrant, romantic relationship – and realizes there is no going back.

A new day

dawns today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A new day

dawns today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Paint it up

.

i

n

.

smiling rays,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

make it into

a brighter place,

–

–

before you 

leave the day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

before you

leave the day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It starts

with you

.

a

n

d

.

what you

choose,

–

–

you never

know

–

–

how much

the good

will do,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

make

.

t

h

e

.

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

make

.

t

h

e

.

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A new day

dawns today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A new day

dawns today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Love is

.

a

t

.

your

command,

–

–

the magic

.

i

s

.

in your 

heart

.

a

n

d

.

hands,

.

.

s

o

.

.

love

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

love

today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A masterpiece

.

f

o

r

.

better ways,

–

–

don’t let

the days

simply

.

g

o

.

astray . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

just

create

a

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

create

a

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

<instrumental interlude>

A new day

dawns today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A new day

dawns today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Paint it up

.

i

n

.

smiling rays,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

make it into

a brighter place,

–

–

before you 

leave the day . . .

–

–

–

 ~ yes,

before you

leave the day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It starts

with you

.

a

n

d

.

what you

choose,

–

–

you never

know

–

–

how much

the good

will do,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

make

.

t

h

e

.

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

make

.

t

h

e

.

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

a new day

dawns today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

a new day

dawns today . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

every

day.

“and every day” echoes throughout end of song or other separate part of album such as the intro to the song, a later reprise, or both

Reflection: This was the lyrics to an indie pop song I wrote back in July of 2019 which could also be viewed as an inspirational/hope-themed poem. All of my poetry tends to be lyrical in nature – so writing poetry to music was pretty easy for me to do. I had written the music to the song back in 1990/1991 – but did not write the lyrics until 2019. This song/poem was written to inspire people to create magic, brilliance, brightness, and charm, and to make the most of out of each and every day – not just only for themselves but also for all of those they come in contact with.

The

petals

.

o

f

.

a

.

dying

dream,

.

.

c

a

n

.

.

bloom

when

.

b

a

r

e

.

hope

.

i

s

.

found . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

breeze 

above

.

a

silent

sea,

.

.

c

a

n

.

.

scatter

them

–

–

without

a

sound . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(I know when the dream is gone)

The

tunnels

.

o

f

.

fantasy,

.

.

c

a

n

.

.

bring

you

.

t

o

.

where

.

y

o

u

.

might

long

.

t

o

.

be,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

the

gates

.

o

f

.

eternity,

–

–

open

only

–

–

when

.

w

e

.

cease

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(I know when the end is near)

So,

hold

me,

–

–

love

me,

–

–

I

want

.

s

o

.

much

.

t

o

.

believe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Taunt

me,

–

–

tease

me,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

imprison

me

.

i

n

.

rhapsody . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(for alone I will sleep till dawn)

<instrumental interlude>

Your

.

k

i

s

s

.

leaves

.

m

e

.

blue,

–

–

although

.

y

o

u

r

.

touch

.

i

s

.

cold

.

a

s

.

clay,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

even

.

i

f

.

your

love

.

i

s

.

true,

–

–

I

can’t

remove

.

t

h

e

.

barricade

.

I’ve

lost . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(I’ll win when tomorrow comes)

So,

hold

me,

–

–

love

me,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

Illusion

me

.

w

i

t

h

.

ecstasy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Taunt

me,

–

–

tease

me,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

surrender

.

t

o

.

my

destiny . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Bend

me,

–

–

break

me,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

remind

me

–

–

this

is

.

a

l

l

.

a

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(Goodbye my dear, there’s nothing left but here . . . Goodbye)

Reflection: This was the lyrics to an indie pop song I wrote back in July of 2019 which could also be viewed as a romantic-themed poem. All of my poetry tends to be lyrical in nature – so writing poetry to music was pretty easy for me to do. I had written the music to the song back in 1990/1991 – but did not write the lyrics until 2019. In this song/poem the contemplator confronts the decline of a once vibrant, romantic relationship – and realizes there is no point in continuing on. Because simply holding on to hope would just delay the inevitable – causing greater pain, distress, and distance in the process. I played around with some words on this one. For example, part of this can be read two different ways which was done intentionally:

“and even if your love is true, I can’t remove the barricade I’ve lost,” and later as a separate thought: “I’ll win when tomorrow comes.”

“and even if your love is true, I can’t remove the barricade.“

‘”Ive lost.” and later as a continued thought: I’ll win when tomorrow comes.”

So, take your pick.

I

once

.

h

a

d

.

a

heart,

–

–

which

.

f

e

l

l

.

in

love

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

dark . . .

–

–

–

 ~ couldn’t

see

.

t

h

e

.

day,

–

–

without

.

t

h

e

.

rain

.

o

f

.

shame . . .

–

–

–

 ~ didn’t

.

f

e

e

l

.

alive

.

o

r

.

awake,

–

–

without

.

t

h

e

.

pain . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

once

.

w

e

r

e

.

caught,

.

.

i

n

.

.

my

cobwebs

.

o

f

.

thought . . .

–

–

–

 ~ everywhere

.

y

o

u

.

went,

.

.

y

o

u

.

.

had

.

t

o

.

defend . . .

–

–

–

 ~ everything

.

y

o

u

.

did,

–

–

could

.

b

e

.

seen

.

a

s

.

sin . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

can’t

.

l

e

t

.

go

.

o

f

.

this

–

–

controlling

sense,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

I

can’t

.

h

o

l

d

.

on

.

t

o

o

.

long

.

l

i

k

e

.

this . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

can’t

escape

.

a

l

l

.

this

emptiness,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

I

can’t

.

l

e

t

.

it

kill 

.

o

r

.

chill

.

m

y

.

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

<instrumental interlude 1>

I

am

.

s

o

.

drawn,

.

.

t

o

.

.

things

that

.

a

r

e

.

wrong . . .

–

–

–

 ~ can’t

.

l

e

t

.

them

go,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

I

can’t

–

–

break

away . . .

.

.

.

 ~ can’t

.

l

e

t

.

them

show,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

I

can’t

.

m

a

k

e

.

them

fade . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

<instrumental interlude 2>

I

once

.

h

a

d

.

a

heart,

–

–

which

.

f

e

l

l

.

in

love

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

dark . . .

–

–

–

 ~ couldn’t

see

.

t

h

e

.

day,

–

–

without

.

t

h

e

.

rain

.

o

f

.

shame . . .

–

–

–

 ~ didn’t

.

f

e

e

l

.

alive

.

o

r

.

awake,

–

–

without

.

t

h

e

.

pain.

Reflection: This was the lyrics to an indie pop song I wrote back in July of 2019 which could also be viewed as a personal struggle-themed poem. All of my poetry tends to be lyrical in nature – so writing poetry to music was pretty easy for me to do. I had written the music to the song back in 1990/1991 – but did not write the lyrics until 2019. In this song/poem the affected party tends to be drawn to that which tends to be wrong or bad for him/her and has trouble avoiding, breaking away from, and escaping them.

I

.

c

a

n

.

see

.

t

h

e

.

blue,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

can

feel

.

t

h

e

.

move . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

know

.

y

o

u

.

will

.

b

e

.

coming

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

i

s

.

the

coming

.

o

f

.

the

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

coming

.

o

f

.

the

mood

.

t

h

a

t

.

leads

to . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

leads

to . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

know

.

i

t

.

can

.

b

e

. 

difficult

.

t

o

.

read,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

to

keep

.

u

p

.

with

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

tell

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ tell

.

m

e

.

please . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

.

I

. 

cannot

believe,

–

–

I’m

.

t

h

e

.

one

.

y

o

u

.

truly

need . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no,

.

i

t

.

is

not

.

m

e

.

that

.

y

o

u

.

find

.

s

o

.

pleasing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

not

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

not

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

my

–

–

lightning

streaming,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

wildly

careening . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

energy

heating,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

the

electricity

screaming . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Green,

–

–

pounding

yellow,

–

–

pounding

green . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

raw,

–

–

bold,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

beaming,

–

–

eccentric

–

–

!!! E-C-L-E-C-T-I-C-I-T-Y !!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

green,

–

–

electric

–

–

!!! E-C-L-E-C-T-I-C-I-T-Y !!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

all

.

y

o

u

.

mean . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

all

.

y

o

u

.

mean

.

t

o

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

be

.

anyone

.

y

o

u

.

want

.

o

r

.

need . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

.

I

.

can

.

b

e

.

one,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

any,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

all,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

everything . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

just

.

l

i

k

e

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

a

m

.

running . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

a

m

.

running 

against

.

t

h

e

.

celebrity

machine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

.

a

m

.

running

against

.

a

n

d

.

running

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

a

m

.

running

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

enough

.

a

b

o

u

t

.

that,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

those,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

these . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

let

.

m

e

.

tell

.

y

o

u

.

what

.

I

.

really

need,

–

–

because

right

.

n

o

w

.

you’re

about

.

a

s

.

sweet

.

a

s

.

sweet

.

c

a

n

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you’re

.

a

s

.

sweet

.

a

s

.

sweet

.

c

a

n

.

be,

–

–

right

now . . .

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ now

.

t

h

a

t

.

you

.

a

r

e

.

here

.

w

i

t

h

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ just

.

a

.

brief

sting

.

i

s

.

all

.

I

.

need . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ just

.

a

.

brief

sting

.

o

f

.

!!! E-L-E-C-T-R-I-C-I-T-Y !!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

brief

sting

.

t

o

.

break

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ to

break

free

.

f

r

o

m

.

this,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

all,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

everything . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

today

.

I

.

a

m

.

leaving . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

today

.

I

.

a

m

. 

leaving . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

with

.

o

r

.

without . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

singing

.

o

r

.

swinging . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

a

m

.

leaving . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ up

.

o

r

.

down . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

above

.

o

r

.

beneath . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

a

m

.

leaving . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ cautious

.

o

r

.

carefree . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beyond

.

o

r

.

between . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

serene

.

o

r

.

screaming . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

a

m

.

leaving . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

a

m

.

leaving.

Reflection: This was a forgotten personal struggle-themed poem I wrote back in July of 2019 where the affected party tends to become consumed by the various temptations and addictions he or she encounters in life (sex, drugs, gambling, drinking, whatever . . .).

Take

.

m

y

.

hand,

.

m

y

.

somber

friend,

.

a

n

d

.

you

.

w

i

l

l

. 

never

.

c

r

y

.

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

w

i

l

l

.

never

.

c

r

y

.

again

.

f

o

r

.

those

days

–

–

which

might

.

h

a

v

e

.

been . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ never

.

c

r

y

.

again,

–

–

lost

.

a

n

d

.

alone

.

i

n

.

the

darkness . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ never

.

c

r

y

.

again

.

f

o

r

.

the

relentless,

–

–

rhyming

reasons

.

o

f

.

rolling

regrets,

–

–

turning

end,

.

o

v

e

r

.

end,

.

o

v

e

r

.

end,

.

o

v

e

r

.

end,

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

filling

you

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

haunting . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

filling

you

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

haunting . . .

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

filling

you

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

haunting

–

–

emptiness

.

o

f

.

a

pale

–

–

tenderness

passing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

never

again

.

m

y

.

somber

friend

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ never

again

.

w

i

l

l

.

you

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

I

will

.

b

e

.

your

guide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

will

.

b

e

.

the

guide

.

w

h

o

.

polishes

.

y

o

u

r

.

shine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

will

.

b

e

.

the

guide

.

w

h

o

.

lights

.

t

h

e

.

candles

.

i

n

.

your

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

will

.

b

e

.

the

guide

.

w

h

o

.

makes

.

y

o

u

.

beam

.

i

n

t

o

.

a

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

will

.

b

e

.

the

guide

.

w

h

o

.

brings

love,

.

a

n

d

.

warmth,

.

a

n

d

.

sunshine

–

–

all

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ even 

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

wild

.

a

n

d

.

winding,

–

–

wuthering

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

daylight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

hour,

–

–

after

hour,

–

–

after

hour . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

mile,

–

–

after

mile,

–

–

after

mile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

five . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

seven . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

nine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

miles

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

still,

–

–

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

still,

–

–

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

still,

–

–

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

I

will

–

–

always

.

b

e

. 

right

beside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

side

.

b

y

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

day,

.

a

n

d

.

every

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

night,

.

a

n

d

.

every

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

never

again

.

w

i

l

l

.

you

cry

.

m

y

.

friend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

j

u

s

t

–

–

–

take

.

m

y

.

hand . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

j

u

s

t

–

–

–

take

.

m

y

.

hand . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

j

u

s

t

–

–

–

take

.

m

y

.

hand . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

let

.

t

h

e

.

daylight

begin.

Reflection:  

This poem was written to comfort someone whose life partner had died. I can’t imagine how difficult an experience like that might be.

I

thought

about

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

then

–

i

t

–

was

gone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ it

.

w

a

s

.

gone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

just

like

–

t

h

e

–

old

song . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

e

–

–

–

used

–

t

o

–

sing

along . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

used

–

t

o

–

sing

along

–

t
o
–

that
song . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ we

used

–

t

o

–

sing

–

a

l

l

–

hours

beyond

–

t

h

e

–

dusk . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

magnificence

above

–

t

h

e

–

sweet

smelling

musk . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

miles,

–

–

upon

miles,

–

–

upon

miles

–

o

f

–

mystery

–

a

n

d

–

movement

beneath

–

t

h

e

–

eternal

skies

–

o

f

–

nighttime . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

– 

–

–

now

–

i

t

–

is

dawn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ yes,

now

–

i

t

–

is

dawn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

daytime

calls . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

is

dawn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

is

dawn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

in

moments . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

in

mere

–

–

moments

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

y

o

u

–

–

–

once

again

–

–

will

–

b

e

–

gone.

Reflection:  This poem is largely a reflection on an old romance. I wrote most of this poem by listening to the wonderful, haunting gem of a song “No End to Love” by Orlando Weeks which I played in the background at low volume to create the moodset and inspire the writing of the poem. So, if you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

I

told

you

–

–

I

loved

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

still

do,

–

–

anytime

I

move

–

i

n

t

o

– 

that

same

–

–

old

room . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

same

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

t

–

–

–

the

same

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

same

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ when

.

t

h

e

.

bass

–

a

n

d

–

brooding

brews

–

o

f

– 

“might 

have

been”

blues

–

– 

begin

–

t

o

–

bloom . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

start 

hearing

–

t

h

a

t

–

same

haunting

tune . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

same

haunting

tune . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

way 

back

then . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when 

–

t

h

e

–

days 

–

–

were

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ when

.

t

h

e

.

days

–

–

were

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

filled

–

w

i

t

h

–

me’s

–

a

n

d

–

you’s.

Reflection:  I wrote this poem in reflection of a favorite, much-played David Bowie Album called “Hours.” My favorite tracks on it were “If I’m Dreaming My Life, ” “Tuesday’s Child,” “Seven,” “What’s Really Happening,” “Something in the Air,” and “Survive.” However, the entire album is excellent and one of my favorite albums of all time by David Bowie.

How

.

m

a

n

y

.

times

.

h

a

v

e

.

I

.

opened

.

m

y

.

eyes

.

t

o

.

find . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

yesterday’s

rhymes

.

o

f

.

smiles

.

a

n

d

.

sunshine,

–

–

teed,

.

a

n

d

.

tied,

.

a

n

d

.

tagged,

.

a

n

d

.

tossed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

carelessly

.

o

u

t

.

of

.

m

y

.

life?

–

–

–

.

.

.

How

.

m

a

n

y

.

more

.

t

i

m

e

s

.

before . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

–

–

–

learn

.

t

o

.

savor

.

t

h

e

.

wine,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

tightly

–

–

grip

.

t

h

e

.

vine?

–

–

–

.

.

.

How

.

m

a

n

y

.

more

times?

–

–

–

.

.

.

How

.

m

a

n

y

.

more

times?

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

remember

.

w

h

e

n

.

our

days

.

w

e

r

e

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

.

t

h

e

.

skies

.

w

e

r

e

.

bold

.

a

n

d

.

burning

blue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

wide

.

a

n

d

.

high

–

–

across

.

t

h

e

.

days

.

a

n

d

.

nights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

pride

.

a

n

d

.

promise

–

–

burned

bright

–

–

within

.

o

u

r

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ pride

.

a

n

d

.

promise

–

–

burned

bright

–

–

within

.

o

u

r

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

shined

warming

.

r

a

y

s

.

of

sunlight

.

u

p

o

n

.

all

.

a

n

d

.

everything

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

might . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

way

.

b

a

c

k

.

then,

.

w

h

e

n

.

worries

.

w

e

r

e

.

few . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

much

.

t

o

.

lose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

much

.

t

o

.

lose,

.

i

n

.

the

days

.

o

f

.

me

.

a

n

d

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ way

.

b

a

c

k

.

then,

.

w

h

e

n

.

everyone

said

.

w

e

.

moved

.

t

o

o

.

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

moved

.

t

o

o

.

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

me

.

a

n

d

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

moved

.

t

o

o

.

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

moved

.

t

o

o

.

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

moved

.

t

o

o

.

soon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

me

.

a

n

d

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

perhaps

.

i

t

.

was

–

–

all

.

t

o

o

.

true,

–

–

within

.

t

h

o

s

e

.

spinning

rooms,

.

.

o

f

.

.

flickering

hues

.

a

n

d

.

margarita

moons . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ perhaps

.

i

t

.

was

–

–

all

.

t

o

o

.

true . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

nothing

else

.

I

.

could

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

no

.

o

n

e

.

else

.

I

.

could

pursue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

were

.

s

o

.

beautiful

.

i

n

.

your

youth.

Reflection: This was a forgotten but important romantic-themed poem I wrote back in December of 2018 in loving appreciation and memory of those special, wonderful people that I got to share such pleasant (and sometimes very passionate) times with. They added such warmth, color, beauty, and music to my life and to the living collage that is me – and today I am the result of all of those contributing parts and pieces (and more). And I cherish and appreciate each and every one of them.

So, yes, I’ve had some fun times and adventure in my life.