I

cannot

.

d

o

.

either . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

cannot

.

d

o

.

both . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

i

s

.

nowhere

.

t

o

.

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

nowhere

.

t

o

.

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there

.

i

s

.

nowhere

.

t

o

.

turn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

nowhere

.

t

o

.

go . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

it

must

.

b

e

.

the

beginning,

.

.

o

f

.

.

the

end,

.

.

o

f

.

.

the

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

beginning,

.

.

o

f

.

.

the

end,

.

.

o

f

.

.

the

journey

.

.

we’ve

known . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

what

once

.

w

a

s

.

wonder

.

a

n

d

.

warmth,

.

.

h

a

s

.

.

become

bitter

.

a

n

d

.

cold . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

what

once

.

w

a

s

.

youthful

.

a

n

d

.

new,

.

.

h

a

s

.

.

become

brittle

.

a

n

d

.

old . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

h

a

s

.

become

brittle

.

a

n

d

.

old . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

.

.

.

I

stand

.

a

l

l

.

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

stand

.

a

l

l

.

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

stand

.

a

l

l

.

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

stand

.

a

l

l

.

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

this

secret

.

i

n

.

my

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

stand

.

a

l

l

.

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

stand

.

a

l

l

.

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

stand

.

a

l

l

.

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

I

cannot

.

d

o

.

either . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

cannot

.

d

o

.

both.

Reflection: This was a personal struggle-themed poem that I wrote back in January of 2015 where the affected party occupies a difficult position and becomes so conflicted between two painful choices that he/she becomes frozen in time and cannot move forward – not realizing of course that failing to make a choice automatically results in a default choice.

There

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

time,

–

– 

when

.

I

.

w

a

s

.

better

.

t

h

a

n

.

all . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

then,

–

–

better

.

t

h

a

n

.

most . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

later,

–

–

progressed

.

t

o

.

better

.

t

h

a

n

.

those . . .

–

–

–

.

.

. 

b

u

t

–

–

–

now

.

I

.

know . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

.

n

o

w

.

I

.

know . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

will

.

n

o

t

.

bask

.

i

n

.

the

true

.

j

o

y

.

of

.

t

h

e

.

sun,

–

–

until

.

t

h

e

.

days

when

.

m

y

.

journey

.

i

s

.

done . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

t

h

e

.

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

t

h

e

.

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

I

.

a

m

.

better

. 

t

h

a

n

.

none.

Reflection: This was an inspirational/hope-themed poem that I wrote back in November of 2014 where the journeyer progresses towards joy and happiness by letting go of judgments and beliefs.

I

danced

.

w

i

t

h

.

thoughts

.

t

h

a

t

.

made

.

m

e

.

blush . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

danced

.

w

i

t

h

.

thoughts

.

I

.

could

.

n

o

t

.

trust . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(

)

(

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

urge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

f

e

l

l

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

urge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

.

.

.

a

wild

.

a

n

d

.

winding

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

merging

.

w

i

t

h

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

merging

.

w

i

t

h

.

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

merging

.

w

i

t

h

.

form . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

merging

.

w

i

t

h

.

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

wild

.

a

n

d

.

winding

ride,

–

–

which

.

w

a

s

.

not

.

quite

.

cruel,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

not

.

quite

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ not

.

quite

.

low,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

not

.

quite

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

t

–

–

–

the

starting

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

wild

.

a

n

d

.

winding

ride,

–

–

which

merged

.

e

v

e

n

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

which

merged

.

e

v

e

n

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

which

merged

.

e

v

e

n

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

colors,

–

–

shapes,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

forms,

.

.

I

.

.

h

a

d

.

never

experienced

before . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ my

safe

.

a

n

d

.

sure,

–

–

moved

.

t

o

.

insecure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ my

sharp

.

a

n

d

.

clear,

–

– 

merged

.

i

n

t

o

.

a

.

blur . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

just

.

w

h

e

n

.

I

.

thought,

.

.

i

t

.

.

could

bring

.

n

o

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

just

.

w

h

e

n

.

I

.

thought,

.

.

i

t

.

.

could

bring

.

n

o

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

just

.

w

h

e

n

.

I

.

thought,

.

.

i

t

.

.

could

bring

.

n

o

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

d

r

o

p

p

e

d

.

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

floor . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

d

r

o

p

p

e

d

.

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

floor . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Miles,

–

–

reaching

miles,

–

–

reaching

miles

–

–

before . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Miles,

–

–

reaching

miles,

–

–

reaching

miles

–

–

before . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Miles,

–

–

reaching

miles,

–

–

reaching

miles

–

–

before . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

sighting

.

s

o

m

e

.

semblance

.

o

f

.

an

.

e

x

i

t

.

door . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

thought

.

f

o

r

.

sure,

.

.

i

t

.

.

could

get

.

n

o

.

worse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

it

was

.

m

y

.

voice

.

I

.

heard,

–

–

attacking

.

t

h

e

.

curse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ my

voice

–

–

beating

.

t

h

e

.

boards

.

o

f

.

the

.

e

x

i

t

.

door . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

“!ENOUGH!“

.

i

t

.

screamed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

“!!ENOUGH!!“

.

i

t

.

screamed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

“!!!ENOUGH!!!“

“!!!!ENOUGH!!!!“

“!!!!!ENOUGH!!!!!“

.

i

t

.

screamed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

something

must

.

h

a

v

e

.

wanted

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ something

must

.

h

a

v

e

.

wanted

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

into

.

t

h

a

t

.

same

urge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

f

e

l

l

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

urge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

much

.

t

h

e

.

same

way

.

I

.

did

before.

Reflection: This was a personal struggle-themed poem that I wrote back in November of 2014 where the affected party falls victim to outside influences that grab his/her attention and repeatedly gets drawn into the depths of darkness – having difficulty breaking the negative cycle. It seems this will be a lifelong, all-consuming struggle and that the affected party will never be able to escape the forces of temptation, addiction, compulsion, and distraction. The struggle can represent any temptation, addiction, compulsion, or distraction type: drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, obsessions, etc.

I

took

.

a

.

swim

.

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

deep . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

it

.

w

a

s

. 

someone

else,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

not

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Someone

.

e

l

s

e

.

seeking

.

t

o

.

find

.

release . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Someone

.

e

l

s

e

.

dealing

.

s

o

m

e

.

other

.

life

.

t

o

.

lead . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Someone

.

e

l

s

e

.

who

.

nearly

.

drowned,

–

–

within

.

t

h

e

.

memories . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ within

.

t

h

e

.

memories . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

all,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

each,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

everything,

.

.

y

o

u

.

.

could

.

h

a

v

e

.

been . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

each,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

everything,

.

.

y

o

u

.

.

could

.

h

a

v

e

.

been . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

w

a

s

. 

someone

else,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

not

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

w

a

s

. 

someone

else,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

not

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

w

a

s

. 

someone

else,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

not

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

here

.

y

o

u

.

are . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ your

secret

smiling,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

still

breathing

–

–

next

.

t

o

.

me . . .

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ your

secret

smiling,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

the

heart

.

s

t

i

l

l

.

beating . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ still

beating

.

i

n

.

the

peaceful,

–

–

sleepy

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

.

t

h

e

.

peaceful,

–

–

sleepy

tease

.

o

f

.

what

.

a

.

future

.

m

i

g

h

t

.

bring . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

took

.

a

.

swim

.

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

deep . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

took

.

a

.

swim

.

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

deep . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

took

.

a

.

swim

.

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

deep . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

although

.

y

o

u

.

might

.

otherwise

believe,

–

–

there’s

.

n

o

.

need

.

t

o

.

take

heed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no

need

.

t

o

.

worry

.

a

b

o

u

t

.

what

.

t

h

e

.

secret

.

m

i

g

h

t

.

bring . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

took

.

a

.

swim

.

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

deep . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

took

.

a

.

swim

.

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

deep . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

took

.

a

.

swim

.

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

deep . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

it

.

w

a

s

. 

someone

else,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

not

me.

Reflection: This was a personal struggle-themed poem that I wrote back in November of 2014 falls where the affected party struggles with internal and external demons – and just cannot seem to break the negative cycle. We get the feeling this will be a lifelong, all-consuming struggle, and that the affected party may never be able to escape the forces of struggle and darkness – and that anyone he or she comes into close contact with might suffer from the same.

It

.

w

a

s

.

wintertime,

–

–

when

.

t

h

e

.

barren

echoes

.

o

f

.

loneliness

cried,

–

–

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

ruthless,

–

–

unforgiving

skies

.

o

f

.

bitter,

–

–

chastising

winds

.

a

n

d

.

cold-hearted

ice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

shivered . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

shivered

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

it

.

w

a

s

.

for

me

.

t

o

.

decide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ that

.

i

t

.

was

.

f

o

r

.

me

.

t

o

.

decide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

hide

.

a

.

life,

–

–

using

words

.

t

h

a

t

.

were

.

n

o

t

.

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ to

hide

.

a

.

life,

–

–

without

considering

.

t

h

e

.

reasons

why . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

created

.

a

.

n

e

w

.

design

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

mimicked

.

a

n

d

.

rhymed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

created

.

a

.

n

e

w

.

design

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

fit

.

s

o

.

well,

–

–

within

.

t

h

e

.

coloring

.

b

o

o

k

.

lines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

shivered . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

shivered

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

it

.

w

a

s

.

for

me

. 

t

o

.

decide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

.

time,

.

.

w

h

e

n

.

.

carefree

fun,

–

–

play,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

laughter

.

w

o

u

l

d

.

fly

.

s

o

.

free

.

a

n

d

.

carelessly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ so

free

.

a

n

d

.

carelessly

into

.

t

h

e

.

exhilarating

highs,

–

–

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

promise

.

o

f

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

sunshine

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

would

smile

.

w

i

t

h

.

a

.

warmth

.

s

o

.

wide,

.

.

f

r

e

e

.

.

spirits

danced

.

w

i

t

h

.

joy,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

cartwheeled

.

a

l

l

.

across

.

t

h

e

.

summer

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

danced

.

w

i

t

h

.

joy,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

cartwheeled

.

a

l

l

.

across

.

t

h

e

.

summer

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

now

.

i

t

.

was

wintertime.

Reflection: This was a melancholy-themed poem that I wrote back in October of 2014 where the contemplator looks back with regret on living a life within the tight confines of societal norms just to fit in. We get the feeling he or she will never be happy living in that fashion – because living an authentic, “true to yourself,” kind of life – independent of what others think, believe, or try to convince otherwise – is the only way to truly be happy.

There

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

.

place,

–

–

where

.

t

h

e

.

patience

.

o

f

.

time

walked

.

a

.

slow

.

a

n

d

.

steady

pace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

.

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

did

.

n

o

t

.

rush,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

never

.

f

e

l

l

.

behind,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

the

.

d

a

y

s

.

seemed

.

t

o

.

s–t–r–e–t–c–h

.

f

o

r

.

miles

.

a

n

d

.

miles,

.

.

a

l

l

.

.

the

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Clear

.

f

r

o

m

.

chaos

.

a

n

d

.

clutter,

–

–

were

.

t

h

e

.

pages

.

o

f

.

my

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

warmly

embracing

.

w

a

s

.

my

heart,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

accepting

were

.

m

y

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Engaging

.

w

a

s

.

my

smile,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

gentle

.

w

a

s

.

my

style . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

towards

others

.

b

a

c

k

.

then,

.

.

I

.

.

c

o

u

l

d

.

never

.

b

e

.

unkind,

–

–

without

considering

.

t

h

e

.

price . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

yes,

.

.

I

.

.

have

.

n

o

w

.

come

.

t

o

.

realize,

.

.

I

.

.

once

lived

.

a

.

wonderful

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

filled

.

w

i

t

h

.

laughter,

–

–

rhyme,

–

– 

fun,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

lived

.

a

.

wonderful

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

filled

.

w

i

t

h

.

laughter,

–

–

rhyme,

–

– 

fun,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

sunshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

back

in

.

t

h

e

. 

youthful

paradise

.

o

f

.

joyous,

–

–

carefree

. 

d

a

y

s

.

gone

by . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ back

.

i

n

.

those

times,

–

–

when

.

I

.

did

.

n

o

t

. 

judge,

.

.

o

r

.

.

cheat,

.

.

o

r

.

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

apologize.

Reflection: This was a forgotten reflective-themed gem of a poem that I wrote back in October of 2014 where the contemplator looks back with remorse on a life which started out so wondrously free, carefree, and easy only to reverse somehow without his/her awareness – it was likely the result of small internal and external changes which accumulated over the years and decades. The end of the poem offers an intentional twist which sharply contrasts and conflicts with the rest of the poem.

There

.

w

a

s

.

only

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

shy

behind

.

t

h

e

.

smile,

.

.

I

.

.

once

knew

.

a

s

.

a

.

child . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

the

warmth

–

–

felt

good,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

love,

.

.

i

t

.

.

did

shine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

across

.

t

h

e

.

valleys

.

o

f

.

my

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

although,

.

I

.

w

a

s

.

distant

.

a

t

.

times . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

still

.

w

a

s

.

kind,

–

–

offering

words

.

o

f

.

hope

.

t

o

.

those

.

temporarily

blind,

–

–

offering

.

a

.

beam

.

o

f

.

sunshine,

.

.

t

h

e

.

.

lost

.

m

i

g

h

t

.

find . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ offering

.

a

.

beam

.

o

f

.

sunshine,

.

.

t

h

e

.

.

lost

.

m

i

g

h

t

.

find . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Forgiveness

.

i

s

.

easy,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

acceptance

kind,

–

–

when

.

y

o

u

.

realize,

–

–

everyone

.

i

s

.

a

.

child

.

t

h

a

t

.

gets

lost

.

a

t

.

times . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ everyone,

.

a

.

child

.

t

h

a

t

.

gets

lost

.

i

n

.

life,

.

.

f

r

o

m

.

.

time

.

t

o

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

.

w

a

s

.

only

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

shy

behind

.

t

h

e

.

smile,

.

.

I

.

.

once

knew

.

a

s

.

a

.

child . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

the

warmth

–

–

felt

good,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

love,

.

.

i

t

.

.

did

shine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

the

.

d

e

p

t

h

s

.

far

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

 ~ removing

.

t

h

e

.

blindness

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ easing

.

t

h

e

.

worries

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

began

.

t

o

.

dance

again,

–

–

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

wide

.

o

p

e

n

.

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

joy

.

y

o

u

.

gained,

.

.

a

l

s

o

.

.

became

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

there

.

w

a

s

.

only

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

there

.

w

a

s

.

only

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

there

.

w

a

s

.

only

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

shy

behind

.

t

h

e

.

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ shy

behind

.

t

h

e

.

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

once

knew

.

a

s

.

a

.

child.

Reflection: This was a inspirational/hope-themed poem that I wrote back in October of 2014 in reflection of where even the slightest warmth, kindness, hope, acceptance, patience, and forgiveness can change two lives at the same time – theirs and yours; even if only for a moment, an hour, or a day. Because every form of warmth and kindness you offer to others, comes back into your own via the shared experience. So, do this. And do it often.

It

.

w

a

s

.

dark,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

then

.

it

.

w

a

s

.

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

was

.

n

o

t

.

wrong,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

wasn’t

.

q

u

i

t

e

.

right . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dipped

.

m

y

.

toe

into

.

t

h

e

.

eye,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

told

myself

.

t

o

.

fight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

t

o

l

d

.

myself

.

t

o

.

fight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

to

resist

.

t

h

e

.

slide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

the

storm

.

d

i

d

.

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

storm

.

d

i

d

.

entice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

that’s

what

.

g

e

t

s

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

each

.

a

n

d

.

every

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

g

e

t

s

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

each

.

a

n

d

.

every

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

.

e

v

e

n

.

though

.

i

t

.

tells

.

m

e

.

everything

will

.

b

e

.

alright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ everything

will

.

b

e

.

just

fine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

this

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

y

o

u

–

–

–

know

.

h

o

w

.

much

.

I

.

like

.

t

o

. 

wine,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

dine,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

dance

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

like

.

t

o

.

dance

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dance . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dance . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

hours

.

o

f

.

the

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dance . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dance . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

daylight

.

o

p

e

n

s

.

her

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

close

.

t

h

e

.

blinds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

close

.

t

h

e

.

blinds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

close

.

t

h

e

.

blinds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

close

.

t

h

e

.

blinds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

. 

dim

.

t

h

e

.

light,

–

–

which

reminds 

.

m

e

.

of

times . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

m

y

.

life 

.

w

a

s

.

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

reminds 

.

m

e

.

of

times . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

m

y

.

life 

.

w

a

s

.

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I 

.

h

a

d

.

a

.

mind

which

.

c

o

u

l

d

. 

clearly

decide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

had

.

a

.

mind

which

.

c

o

u

l

d

. 

clearly

decide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

before

.

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

hostage

.

t

o

.

the

twisting,

–

–

turning

tides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

before

.

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

hostage

.

t

o

.

the

twisting,

–

–

turning

tides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

before

.

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

hostage

.

t

o

.

the

twisting,

–

–

turning

tides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

t

–

–

–

bring

.

t

h

e

.

lows . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

bring

.

t

h

e

.

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

dip

.

m

y

.

toe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

begin

.

t

o

.

slide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

dip

.

m

y

.

toe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

begin

.

t

o

.

slide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

dip

.

m

y

.

toe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

begin

.

t

o

.

slide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

the

storm

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

smiles.

Reflection: This was a personal struggle-themed poem that I wrote back in October of 2014 where the affected party likes to flirt with temptation and repeatedly gets drawn into the depths of the darkness and chaos it brings – being addicted to the “ride.” It seems this will be a lifelong, all-consuming struggle and that the affected party will never be able to escape the forces of temptation, addiction, compulsion, and distraction. The struggle can represent any temptation, addiction, compulsion, or distraction type: drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, obsessions, etc.

You

yearned . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

yearned . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

so

.

m

u

c

h

.

more,

–

–

when

.

y

o

u

.

first

.

s

e

t

.

the

course,

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

those

.

distant

shores . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ for

those

.

distant

shores

.

o

f

.

regret

. 

a

n

d

.

remorse . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

yearned . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

yearned . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

so

.

m

u

c

h

.

more,

–

–

back

when

.

y

o

u

.

stored

.

s

o

.

little

gratitude . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

what

treasures

.

y

o

u

.

held

.

i

n

.

the

days

.

o

f

.

before . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ back

when

.

y

o

u

.

knew

.

y

o

u

.

were

.

n

o

t

.

confused,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

felt

.

s

o

.

sure

.

y

o

u

.

might

find 

.

t

h

e

.

fix . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

might

.

find

.

t

h

e

.

cure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

somewhere

behind

. 

s

o

m

e

.

secret

door . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

I

ponder

.

whether

.

y

o

u

.

will

yearn 

.

y

e

t

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ will

.

y

o

u

.

yearn 

.

y

e

t

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

someday . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

somehow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

your

future

.

becomes

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

.

y

o

u

.

finally

discover

.

there

.

i

s

.

no

doubt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

w

a

s

.

all

.

j

u

s

t

.

a

.

spinning

house

.

i

n

.

the

clouds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

spinning

’round

.

a

n

d

.

’round . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

end

.

o

v

e

r

.

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

up

.

a

n

d

.

down . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

w

a

s

.

a

.

spinning

house

.

i

n

.

the

clouds

.

o

f

.

doubt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

ponder

.

whether

.

y

o

u

.

will

yearn 

.

y

e

t

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

ponder

.

whether

.

y

o

u

.

will

yearn 

.

y

e

t

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

y

o

u

.

someday

discern

.

within

.

t

h

e

.

whirling

blur . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

.

a

l

l

.

the

glimmer

.

y

o

u

.

were

searching

.

f

o

r

.

sparkles

upon

.

t

h

e

.

distant

shores . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

sparkles

.

upon

.

t

h

e

.

distant

shores,

.

.

o

f

.

.

the

.

d

a

y

s

.

that

.

c

a

m

e

.

before . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

causing

.

s

u

c

h

.

rush

. 

o

f

.

regret

.

a

n

d

.

remorse,

–

–

that

.

y

o

u

.

madly

race

.

t

o

.

reverse

course,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

yearn

.

f

o

r

.

those

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

yearn

.

f

o

r

.

those

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

yearn

.

f

o

r

.

those

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

yearn

.

f

o

r

.

those

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ for

the

.

d

a

y

s

.

that

.

c

a

m

e

.

before . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ for

the

.

d

a

y

s

. 

that

.

c

o

m

e

.

no

more.

Reflection: This was a personal struggle-themed poem that I wrote back in October of 2014 where the affected party likes to flirt with temptation and repeatedly gets drawn into the depths of the darkness and chaos it brings – being addicted to the “ride.” It seems this will be a lifelong, all-consuming struggle and that the affected party will never be able to escape the forces of temptation, addiction, compulsion, and distraction. The struggle can represent any temptation, addiction, compulsion, or distraction type: drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, obsessions, etc.

There’s

.

n

o

.

need 

.

t

o

.

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There’s

.

n

o

.

need 

.

t

o

.

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

I

.

a

m

.

always 

.

b

y

.

your

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Don’t

.

b

e

. 

surprised

.

i

f

.

I

.

try . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ if

I

.

try

. 

t

o

.

inspire . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ if

I

.

try 

.

t

o

.

hold 

.

y

o

u

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ if

I

.

try

.

t

o

.

wipe 

.

t

h

e

.

tears 

.

f

r

o

m

.

your

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

you

.

m

i

g

h

t

.

see

.

t

h

e

.

same

sunrise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

.

s

a

m

e

.

sunrise

.

t

h

a

t

.

I

. 

see

.

s

o

.

clearly

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

.

s

a

m

e

.

sunrise

.

warmly

embracing

.

y

o

u

. 

in

your

.

n

e

w

.

future

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

will

.

y

o

u

.

allow

.

m

e

. 

to

.

b

e

.

your

guide ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ will

.

y

o

u

.

allow

.

m

e

. 

to

.

b

e

.

your

guide ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

that

.

i

s

. 

the

purpose

. 

o

f

.

my

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

shine

.

t

h

e

.

light

. 

w

h

e

r

e

.

darkness

resides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

reveal

.

t

h

e

.

warmth

behind

.

c

o

l

d

.

disguise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

lift

heavy

.

spirits

high

.

i

t

t

o

.

the

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There’s

.

n

o

.

need 

.

t

o

.

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There’s

.

n

o

.

need 

.

t

o

.

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

I

.

a

m

.

always 

.

b

y

.

your

.

side.

Reflection: This was an inspirational/hope-themed poem that I wrote back in September of 2014 in honor of those special people I know and encounter in my life that I seek to continually uplift, encourage, inspire, and guide so they can live a happier, brighter, more fulfilling life.