Freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you’re

.

h

e

r

e

.

with

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

everything

finds

.

i

t

s

.

peace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

makes

.

m

e

.

long

.

t

o

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

makes

.

m

e

.

long

.

t

o

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

nice,

–

–

neat,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

clean . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ it

makes

.

m

e

.

long

.

t

o

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

makes

.

m

e

.

long

.

t

o

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

lock-in

lines

.

o

f

.

what

.

a

.

good

life

.

i

s

.

supposed

.

t

o

.

mean . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ it

makes

.

m

e

.

long

.

t

o

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

.

.

.

I

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dream

. 

o

f

.

places

.

f

a

r

.

beyond

.

t

h

e

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dream

.

o

f

.

experiences

beyond

.

t

h

e

.

extreme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

you’re

.

h

e

r

e

.

with

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

everything

.

f

i

n

d

s

.

its

peace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Freedom

sings

.

s

o

.

sweetly . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

makes

.

m

e

.

long

.

t

o

.

leave.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem that I wrote where the affected party gets a little restless (and perhaps even a little reckless) when things perfectly align and his/her life finds it’s stride and starts going pretty fine overall. The urges that can arise in such lull periods of time are frequently the reason relationships do not last for some people.

For something different, I tuned into a 1970s radio station today and a past favorite song of mine was playing: “Take it to the Limit” by The Eagles. The lyric: “And when you’re looking for your freedom (nobody seems to care)” stuck with me. So, I started with “freedom” as the general theme for this poem which is something I greatly value and that strongly resonates with me. I played the above Eagles song 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.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

mile,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

mile,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

mile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

time,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

time,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

hide

.

b

e

h

i

n

d

.

the

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

hide

.

b

e

h

i

n

d

.

the

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

hide

.

b

e

h

i

n

d

.

the

climbs

.

a

n

d

.

dives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

lows

.

a

n

d

.

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

hide

.

b

e

h

i

n

d

.

the

lows

.

a

n

d

.

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

pretend

everything

.

i

s

.

fine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ everything

.

i

s

.

fine,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

sometimes

.

j

u

s

t

.

alright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ everything

.

i

s

.

fine,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

sometimes

.

j

u

s

t

.

alright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

t

h

e

.

next

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

.

t

h

e

.

next

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

e

–

–

–

decide

.

t

o

.

be

blind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

.

t

h

e

.

next

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

e

–

–

–

cannot

find

.

t

h

e

.

warming

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

.

t

h

e

.

next

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

air

is

.

t

o

o

.

tight,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

the

lanes

.

t

o

o

.

wide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

even

.

w

h

i

l

e

.

walking

.

side

.

b

y

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ even

.

w

h

i

l

e

.

walking

.

side

.

b

y

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

can

.

o

n

l

y

.

sigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

can

.

o

n

l

y

.

sigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

mile,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

mile,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

mile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

.

.

.

time,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

time,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

put

.

o

u

r

.

love

.

o

n

.

the

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

hide.

Reflection: This is romantic-themed poem where the affected parties in a once warm and passionate romance cannot seem to close the distance in a relationship that gets dimmer and colder over time. We get the feeling the clouds of bitterness, loneliness, and despair will continue to darken and consume until the relationship finally ends. I wrote much of this poem by listening to the wonderful, haunting gems of songs: “Good Love” by Zola Blood and “Birdsong” by Claptone featuring Zola Blood. I played these songs in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of the poem. If you listen to these songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

It

.

w

a

s

.

a

.

moon

.

t

o

o

.

full . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

moon

.

t

o

o

.

full

.

o

f

.

blue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

I

want

.

t

o

.

see

.

y

o

u

.

want

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

believe

.

y

o

u

.

need

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feel

.

y

o

u

.

love

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(too) . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

want

.

t

o

.

see

.

y

o

u

.

want

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

believe

.

y

o

u

.

need

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feel

.

y

o

u

.

love

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(too) . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

want

.

t

o

.

see . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

believe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

we

.

w

e

r

e

.

all

.

a

n

d

.

everything . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

seemed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

a

n

d

.

everything . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

seemed

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

want

.

t

o

.

see

.

y

o

u

.

want

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

believe

.

y

o

u

.

need

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feel

.

y

o

u

.

love

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(too) . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

want

.

t

o

.

see

.

y

o

u

.

want

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

believe

.

y

o

u

.

need

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

feel

.

y

o

u

.

love

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

(too) . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

even

though

.

t

h

e

.

moon’s

.

t

o

o

.

full . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ even

though

.

t

h

e

.

moon’s

.

t

o

o

.

full . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

blue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

knowing

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ knowing

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

leave

.

h

e

r

e

.

soon.

Reflection: This is a melancholy-themed poem where the affected party does not feel as wanted, needed, or loved by someone he or she would like to be closer to. It could be a family member, friend, or romantic partner. We get the feeling the affected party is willing to do anything to close the distance, but that time is getting short, and reconciliation elusive. I’ve had multiple experiences like this in my life as I’m sure many people have. Sometimes, all you can do is your best in doing your part – knowing you never control the end result. I wrote most of this poem by listening to the wonderful, gem of a song “WXW” by 1st Base Runner which I played in the background to create the “moodset” 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 “feel” of it.

When

.

y

o

u

.

knew

.

m

e

.

then . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

it

.

w

a

s

.

easy

.

t

o

.

be

.

m

y

.

friend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

w

a

s

.

easy

.

t

o

.

be

.

m

y

.

friend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

y

o

u

.

knew

.

m

e

.

then . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

.

y

o

u

.

knew

.

m

e

.

then . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

it

felt

.

t

h

e

.

days

.

w

o

u

l

d

.

never

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

felt

.

t

h

e

.

days

.

w

o

u

l

d

.

never

end . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

y

o

u

.

knew

.

m

e

.

then . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

the

smiles

.

o

f

.

sunshine

.

a

n

d

.

summertime . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

r

e

–

–

–

not

.

a

s

.

bright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

not

.

a

s

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

y

o

u

.

learn

about

.

t

h

e

.

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

.

y

o

u

.

learn

about

.

t

h

e

.

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

.

h

i

d

e

.

right

.

i

n

.

front

.

o

f

.

the

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

right

.

i

n

.

front

.

o

f

.

the

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

sometimes

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ sometimes

they

.

h

i

d

e

.

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

yes,

–

–

when

.

y

o

u

.

knew

.

m

e

.

then . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

it

.

w

a

s

.

easy

.

t

o

.

be

.

m

y

.

friend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

w

a

s

.

easy

.

t

o

.

be

.

m

y

.

friend . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

y

o

u

.

knew

.

m

e

.

then.

Reflection: This is a melancholy-themed poem that came into being rather quickly. The opening lines came to me and the poem pretty much wrote itself from those. The poem largely reflects the naivety of my youth – I was able to like, love, and trust so easily back then. I sometimes miss the warmly open, happy, smiley, fun-spirited person I used to be but realize the difficult life lessons had to be learned.

Users

.

a

n

d

.

abusers

.

c

a

n

.

be

.

s

o

.

charming

.

i

n

.

their

ways . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ users

.

a

n

d

.

abusers

.

attract

.

m

e

.

to

.

t

h

i

s

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

engage . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

everyone

likes

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Everyone

likes

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Everyone

likes

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Everyone

likes

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

volcanic

vibrations . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ everyone

likes

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Everyone

likes

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

soothing

sensations . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ everyone

likes

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Everyone

likes

.

t

o

.

feel . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

each,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

all,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

every

.

.

o

f

.

.

these . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

even

.

w

h

e

n

.

boarding

.

t

h

e

.

same

.

o

l

d

.

train . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ even

.

w

h

e

n

.

boarding

.

t

h

e

.

same

.

o

l

d

.

train . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

board

.

t

h

e

.

same

.

o

l

d

.

train . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

board

.

t

h

e

.

same

.

o

l

d

.

train . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

board

.

t

h

e

.

same

.

o

l

d

.

train . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

knowing

.

t

h

e

.

destination

.

w

i

l

l

.

remain

.

t

h

e

.

same . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

board

.

t

h

e

.

same

.

o

l

d

.

train . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

board

.

t

h

e

.

same

.

o

l

d

.

train . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

board

.

t

h

e

.

same

.

o

l

d

.

train . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

users

.

a

n

d

.

abusers

.

c

a

n

.

be

.

s

o

.

charming

.

i

n

.

their

ways.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem that came into being after watching and reflecting on a recent Netflix movie: “On Swift Horses.” I sometimes never know when poetic inspiration will come – but it did today. The opening lines came to me and the poem pretty much wrote itself from there. I’m sure many people will be able to relate to this poem as many of us have probably had life experiences where we become drawn to that which is not good for us: craving the attention, passions, and experiences of the moment – even when they do not last.

There

might

.

b

e

.

times

.

when

.

t

h

e

.

cracks

reveal

.

t

h

e

.

fears . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

fears . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

not

coming

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

consumed

.

b

y

.

the

black . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

consumed

.

b

y

.

the

lack . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

consumed

.

b

y

.

the

cracks . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

fears

.

o

f

.

not

coming

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

fears

.

o

f

.

not

coming

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

I

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

as

night

arrives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

find

.

.

I

still

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

buy

.

t

h

e

.

peace

.

a

n

d

.

confidence

.

I

.

need . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

while

Illusions

.

a

r

e

.

charming

.

a

n

d

.

sweet . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

while

time

.

i

s

.

kind,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

fantasies

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

.

f

e

w

.

more

minutes

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

everything

aligns . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

.

f

e

w

.

more

minutes

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

you

see

.

t

h

e

.

me

.

e

y

e

s

.

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

.

m

e

.

seen

.

a

l

l

.

the

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

the

while

.

I

.

live

.

t

h

e

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

the

while

.

I

.

hide

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

the

while

.

I

.

try

.

t

o

.

deny . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

All

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

All

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

All

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

All

.

t

h

e

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

.

f

e

w

.

more

minutes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

.

f

e

w

.

more

minutes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

.

f

e

w

.

minutes

more

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

the

.

n

e

w

.

arrives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

.

f

e

w

.

minutes

more

.

u

n

t

i

l

.

the

me

.

e

y

e

s

.

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

–

–

–

.

.

.

–

–

–

–

–

–

.

.

.

–

–

–

–

–

–

.

.

.

–

–

–

–

–

–

.

.

.

–

–

–

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later

.

t

h

e

.

deep

decline . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later

regrets

.

i

t

.

every

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Five

.

d

a

y

s

.

later . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

strive

.

t

o

.

rewrite

.

t

h

e

.

lines

.

a

n

d

.

signs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

strive

.

t

o

.

rewrite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

the

cracks

reveal

.

t

h

e

.

fears

each

.

a

n

d

.

every

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

cracks

reveal

.

t

h

e

.

fears . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

cracks

reveal

.

t

h

e

.

fears . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

cracks

reveal

.

t

h

e

.

fears . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

not

coming

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

consumed

.

b

y

.

the

black . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

consumed

.

b

y

.

the

lack . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

consumed

.

b

y

.

the

cracks . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

fears

.

o

f

.

not

coming

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

fears

.

o

f

.

not

coming

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

for

.

n

o

w

.

I

close

.

m

y

.

eyes,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

cast

.

i

t

.

all

aside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

close

.

m

y

.

eyes,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

cast

.

i

t

.

all

aside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

.

.

.

as

night

arrives . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

find

.

I

.

still

.

c

a

n

.

buy.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem that I wrote where the affected party repeatedly struggles with the ups and downs and fears and declines of a relentless, negative addiction or compulsion cycle. This poem was initially inspired by the song “Image” by Magdalena Bay and was refined listening to this song as well as two other songs “Waiting for the Night” by Depeche Mode and “Drifter” by Siouxsie & the Banshees. I played these songs on repeat rotation, at low volume, in the background 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

caught

.

m

y

.

eye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

danced

.

w

i

t

h

.

a

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

danced

.

w

I

t

h

.

a

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

danced

.

w

I

t

h

.

a

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

danced

.

w

I

t

h

.

a

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

mesmerized . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

mesmerized . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

warming

winelight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

mesmerized . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

dreamsicle

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

mesmerized . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

All

night

.

y

o

u

.

danced

.

w

I

t

h

.

a

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

smile

reserved

.

f

o

r

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

.

.

.

the

warming

winelight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

dreamsicle

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

smile

reserved

.

f

o

r

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

sometimes,

.

.

I

.

.

like

.

t

o

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

o

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

.

.

.

the

mood

.

i

s

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

feelings

nigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

like

.

t

o

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

o

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

.

.

.

runway

rhymes

.

o

f

.

the

mind,

.

.

r

i

s

e

.

.

into

romantic

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

like

.

t

o

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

o

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

o

.

lie,

–

–

sometimes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ sometimes,

.

.

I

.

.

like

.

t

o

.

lie,

–

–

alright . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

all

night

.

y

o

u

.

danced

.

w

i

t

h

.

a

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

danced

.

w

i

t

h

.

a

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

danced

.

w

i

t

h

.

a

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

You

danced

.

w

i

t

h

.

a

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

dreamsicle

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

warming

winelight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

starshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

starshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

.

t

h

e

.

starshine

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

another’s

eyes.

Reflection: This is a romantic-themed poem that I wrote in July of 2025. The opening lines came to me while I was out one night – you just never know when inspiration might arrive. In this poem the contemplator catches the eye of someone he or she desires and the person smiles – and everything takes off from there. Once I got home, I refined this poem by listening to the wonderful song: “Simple” by Homeshake which I played in the background to create the “moodset” and inspire the refinement of the poem – it really seemed to fit. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

It’s 

.

m

y

.

life,

.

.

I

.

.

say

.

t

o

.

storming

seas . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

temptation

tease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s 

.

m

y

.

life,

.

.

I

.

.

say

.

t

o

.

outer

extremes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

in-betweens . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

.

m

y

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

.

m

y

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

.

m

y

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

just

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

just

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

all

.

y

o

u

.

mean

.

t

o

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

c

a

n

.

just

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

believe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

c

a

n

.

leave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

believe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

become

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

y

–

–

–

releasing

.

t

h

e

.

need . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

become

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

become

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

become

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

y

–

–

–

releasing

.

t

h

e

.

need . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ by

releasing

.

t

h

e

.

need . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

repeat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

release

.

t

h

e

.

need . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

repeat . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

live

.

m

y

.

life

.

f

o

r

.

me.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem that I wrote back in July of 2025 where the affected party finally comes to realize he or she has the power to break the relentless, repeating, negative addiction or compulsion cycle – the question remains whether that step will be taken.

We

.

d

i

d

.

not

heed

.

t

h

e

.

woeful

warnings . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

.

d

i

d

.

not

heed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

.

d

i

d

.

not

ease

.

t

h

e

.

reach

.

o

f

.

superpowers

storming . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

.

d

i

d

.

not

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

it’s

the

.

.

d

e

e

p

.

.

freeze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

.

.

d

e

e

p

.

.

freeze

.

o

f

.

history . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

the

.

.

d

e

e

p

.

.

freeze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

.

.

d

e

e

p

.

.

freeze

.

o

f

.

ideology . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

the

.

.

d

e

e

p

.

.

freeze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

.

.

d

e

e

p

.

.

freeze

.

o

f

.

humanity . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

the

.

.

d

e

e

p

.

.

freeze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

.

.

d

e

e

p

.

.

freeze

.

o

f

.

brutality . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

e

y

e

s

.

cannot

see . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

m

i

n

d

s

.

cannot

meet . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

w

a

r

m

t

h

.

cannot

breathe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

when

.

h

e

a

r

t

s

.

cannot

beat

.

o

r

.

bleed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

.

h

e

a

r

t

s

.

cannot

beat

.

o

r

.

bleed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

.

d

i

d

.

not

heed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

.

d

i

d

.

not

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

.

d

i

d

.

not

heed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

.

d

i

d

.

not

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

.

d

i

d

.

not

heed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

.

d

i

d

.

not

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

it’s

the

.

.

d

e

e

p

.

.

freeze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

the

.

.

d

e

e

p

.

.

freeze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

the

.

.

d

e

e

p

.

.

freeze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

the

.

.

d

e

e

p

.

.

freeze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

each . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

all . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

every . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

part

.

a

n

d

.

piece . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

we . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ each . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

all . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

every . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

part

.

a

n

d

.

piece . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

we . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

every

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

red

.

a

n

d

.

green . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

every

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beyond

.

a

n

d

.

between . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

.

d

i

d

.

not

heed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

.

d

i

d

.

not

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

.

d

i

d

.

not

heed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

.

d

i

d

.

not

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

.

d

i

d

.

not

heed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

.

d

i

d

.

not

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

it’s

the

.

.

d

e

e

p

.

.

freeze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

.

.

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

for

every

.

part

.

a

n

d

.

piece . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ for

every

.

part
.
a
n
d
.
piece . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
pulse . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
page . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
promise . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
a
n
d
–
–
–
possibility . . .
–
–
–
.
.
.
o
f
–
–
–
we.

Reflection: 

This is a reflective-themed poem looking back on the cold war era. This was a very frightening period of time where many people expected inevitable and imminent nuclear annihilation (unfortunately, the threat is still there a half-century later). Much of the writings, movies, and music throughout that time reflected these fears. Many of us never dreamed we’d still be here 50+ years later – but here we are. So, do something special, wonderful, and amazing with your life – and love, appreciate, cherish, and make the most out of each and every day. Because we are still here. And that is all that truly matters today. 

I used several 1980s songs reflective of this theme to help create this poem: “Red Skies” and “Stand or Fall” by The Fixx, “Human Race” by Red Rider, “Static” by Planet P Project, “Red Sector A” and “Distant Early Warning” by Rush, and Sting’s “We Work the Black Seam” and “Russians.” I played these songs on repeat in the background at low volume to create the “moodset” and inspire the writing of this poem. If you listen to these songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

It

always

.

c

o

m

e

s

.

alive

.

a

t

.

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

e

y

e

s

.

smile

.

w

i

d

e

.

with

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

climb,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

climb,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

climb,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

dive,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dive,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dive,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

always

.

c

o

m

e

s

.

alive

.

a

t

.

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it’s

hard

.

t

o

.

hide

.

o

r

.

deny,

.

.

t

h

e

.

.

warming

wines

.

o

f

.

want

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

warming

wines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

warming

wines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

warming

wines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

want

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

combined

.

w

i

t

h

.

dreams

.

t

h

a

t

.

dine

.

b

y

.

candlelight,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

fantasize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

eyes

smile

.

w

i

d

e

.

with

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

eyes

smile

.

w

i

d

e

.

with

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

eyes

smile

.

w

i

d

e

.

with

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

climb,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

climb,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

climb,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

dive,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dive,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dive,

.

.

a

f

t

e

r

.

.

dive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

comes

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

t

–

–

–

comes

alive

.

a

t

.

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

at

night

.

i

t

.

comes

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

at

night

.

i

t

.

comes

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

at

night

.

i

t

.

comes

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

eyes

.

s

m

i

l

e

.

wide

.

a

n

d

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

eyes

.

s

m

i

l

e

.

wide

.

a

n

d

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

eyes

.

s

m

i

l

e

.

wide

.

a

n

d

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

delight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Eyes

.

s

m

i

l

e

.

wide

.

a

n

d

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Eyes

.

s

m

i

l

e

.

wide

.

a

n

d

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Eyes

.

s

m

i

l

e

.

wide

.

a

n

d

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

crystalize.

Reflection: This is a personal struggle-themed poem that I wrote back in May of 2025 where the affected party cannot seem to break out of the relentless, repeating, taunting tease of competing temptations – creating a negative cycle which consumes the soul. This poem came into being while listening to three favorite Duran Duran songs: “Rio,” “Save a Prayer,” and “My Own Way.” I played these songs on repeat, at low volume, in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem which conjured up images of neon night scenes and the relentless, taunting tease of competing temptations that often accompany these. If you listen to the songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.