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.

I

like

.

t

o

.

stray,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

dance,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

play

–

–

among

.

t

h

e

.

clouds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

directions,

–

–

delays,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

destinations

.

a

r

e

.

always

.

i

n

.

doubt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ where

nothing

.

c

a

n

.

be

assured

.

o

r

.

secured,

–

–

except

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ where

nothing

.

c

a

n

.

be

assured

.

o

r

.

secured,

–

–

except

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

doubt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

doubt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

doubt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

b

o

u

t

–

–

–

clouds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

whether

storming

rains . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

hurricanes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ whether

shades

.

o

f

.

gray . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

sunny

days

–

–

escaping

.

t

h

e

.

haze . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

something

new

.

c

a

n

.

happen

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ something

new

.

c

a

n

.

happen

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

clouds 

care

.

n

o

t

.

about

.

t

h

e

.

route . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

r

–

–

–

about

.

t

h

e

.

how . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Clouds

care

.

n

o

t

.

about

what

.

i

s

.

out,

.

.

o

r

.

.

in,

.

.

o

r

.

.

out . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

n

o

r

–

–

–

about

what

.

i

s

.

allowed

.

b

y

.

the

crowd . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

stray,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

dance,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

play . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

stray,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

dance,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

play . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

stray,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

dance,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

play . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

.

–

–

–

their

.

o

w

n

.

way . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

t

–

–

–

their

.

o

w

n

.

pace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

their

.

o

w

n

.

grace . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

day,

.

.

t

o

.

.

day,

.

.

t

o

.

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

from

place,

.

.

t

o

.

.

place,

.

.

t

o

.

.

place . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

doubt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

doubt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

like

.

t

h

e

.

doubt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

b

o

u

t

–

–

–

clouds.

Reflection: This is a reflective-themed poem I wrote in May of 2025 while listening to another favorite 80s song from my earlier years: “I Still Believe (Great Design)” by The Call. I played this song on repeat, at low volume, in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem which greatly inspired me: conjuring up feelings and images of boundless hope, peace, and freedom – something perhaps best represented by clouds. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

Time

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

smiles

.

s

o

.

warm

.

a

n

d

.

bright,

.

.

o

n

.

.

pages

.

o

f

.

days

.

g

o

n

e

.

by . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Time

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Time

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Time

.

a

l

w

a

y

s

.

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

warm

.

a

n

d

.

bright,

.

.

o

n

.

.

pages

.

o

f

.

days

.

g

o

n

e

.

by . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry 

.

f

o

r

.

the

sunshine

.

t

h

a

t

.

danced

.

s

o

.

wide

.

across

.

t

h

e

.

skies

.

o

f

.

summertime . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry

.

f

o

r

.

loves

.

a

n

d

.

likes,

–

–

which

.

i

n

.

my

life

.

n

o

.

longer

reside . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry

.

f

o

r

.

subtle

goodbyes

.

I

.

once

denied,

.

.

o

r

.

.

did

.

n

o

t

.

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry

.

f

o

r

.

rhapsodies

.

a

n

d

.

rhymes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

failed

.

t

o

.

prize

.

a

n

d

.

hold

.

u

p

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

I

realize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

those

were

.

t

h

e

.

better

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ those

were

.

t

h

e

.

best

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

my

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Those

were

.

t

h

e

.

best

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Those

were

.

t

h

e

.

best

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Those

were

.

t

h

e

.

best

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

.

.

.

my

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

life

.

l

e

f

t

.

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

life

.

n

o

.

longer

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

cry.

Reflection:  This is a melancholy-themed poem that I wrote in May of 2025 where the contemplator looks back on a wonderful past that was left behind – and he/she comes to the haunting realization those were the best days of his/her life. This was a poem which took an unexpected turn when I started writing it. I was listening to two, favorite 80s songs from my earlier years: “Space Age Love Song” by A Flock of Seagulls and “Don’t Change” by INXS. These songs conjured up warm images of summer and sunshine, and I felt warmly inspired by them. So, I played these songs on repeat, at low volume, in the background and started writing the poem. I had expected a warm, hopeful, inspirational kind of poem but, as always, when writing poetry, I just let the words and phrases go in any direction they choose. So, what I ended up with was a melancholy-themed poem instead of the hope/inspirational-themed poem I had expected. Oh well, that’s the way writing goes sometimes. In my experience, the better poems write themselves and take whatever direction they choose. So, I’m just going to leave it at that. Perhaps someone will gain something from it in its current form.

Almond

mousse,

–

–

Tiramisu,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

chocolate

fondue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

everything

.

i

n

.

one,

–

–

makes

.

i

t

.

easy

.

t

o

.

choose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

makes

.

i

t

.

easy

.

t

o

.

choose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

I’m

thinking

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Music

blends

.

a

n

d

.

brews,

.

.

s

m

o

o

t

h

.

.

romantic

moves . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

wanted

whispers

.

a

n

d

.

words,

–

–

fire

.

a

n

d

.

flame

.

passionate

pursuit . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

fire

.

a

n

d

.

flame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

fire

.

a

n

d

.

flame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

fire

.

a

n

d

.

flame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

passionate

pursuit . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

passionate

pursuit . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

wanted

whispers

.

a

n

d

.

words. . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Green

loves

blue,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

tangerine

too . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

although,

it’s

easy

. 

t

o

.

choose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

each,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

all,

.

.

o

f

.

.

every . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

s

–

–

–

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

it’s

difficult

.

t

o

.

discern

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it’s

easy

. 

t

o

.

choose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

each,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

all,

.

o

f

.

.

every . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

s

–

–

–

you . . .  

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

difficult

.

t

o

.

discern

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

I’m

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

all

.

w

e

.

could

be

.

a

n

d

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

every

moon

.

until

noon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

consumes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Smiles

.

a

n

d

.

laughter . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Laughter

.

a

n

d

.

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

design

.

a

.

summertime

.

f

u

l

l

.

of

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

summertime

.

f

u

l

l

.

of

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

mere

moments

.

o

f

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Warmth

.

a

n

d

.

wonder . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Wonder

.

a

n

d

.

warmth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

waltz

.

w

i

t

h

.

sand

.

a

n

d

.

sky . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

waltz

.

w

i

t

h

.

sand

.

a

n

d

.

sky . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

waltz

.

w

i

t

h

.

sand

.

a

n

d

.

sky . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

passion

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ in

passion

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

the

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

yes,

.

It’s

easy

. 

t

o

.

choose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

each,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

all,

.

.

o

f

.

.

every . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

s

–

–

–

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

difficult

.

t

o

.

discern

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

easy

. 

t

o

.

choose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

each,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

all,

.

.

o

f

.

.

every . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

s

–

–

–

you . .  

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

difficult

.

t

o

.

discern

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It’s

easy

. 

t

o

.

choose . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

each,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

all,

.

.

o

f

.

.

every . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

s

–

–

–

you . .  

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

difficult

.

t

o

.

discern

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

I’m

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

all

.

w

e

.

could

be

.

a

n

d

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

every

moon

.

until

noon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

consumes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

proof . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

room . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

moon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

blues . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

tunes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

dues . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

I’m

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

all

.

w

e

.

could

be

.

a

n

d

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dreaming

.

o

f

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

every

moon

.

until

noon . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

this

.

i

s

.

all

.

I

.

want

.

t

o

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

This

.

i

s

.

all

.

I

.

want

.

t

o

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

This

.

i

s

.

all

.

I

.

want

.

t

o

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

This

.

i

s

.

all

.

I

.

want

.

t

o

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

right

now . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

consumes.

Reflection:  This is a romantic-themed poem that I wrote in May of 2025 based on a passionate experience which may or may not have happened in Barcelona, Spain. I’m sure many of us have had experiences like this. I wrote part of this poem sitting on a plane, and the rest after I got home reflecting back.

I

saw

.

y

o

u

.

on

.

a

.

train,

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

.

eyes,

–

–

meet

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

saw

.

y

o

u

.

on

.

a

.

train,

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

.

eyes,

–

–

meet

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

ride

.

t

h

e

.

highs,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

lows,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

tossing,

–

–

tumbling

tides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

–

–

–

highs,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

lows,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

tossing,

–

–

tumbling

tides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

hours

.

o

f

.

the

days

.

a

n

d

.

nights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

v

e

r

–

–

–

the

space

.

o

f

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

ride . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

hours

.

o

f

.

the

days

.

a

n

d

.

nights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

v

e

r

–

–

–

the

space

.

o

f

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

v

e

r

–

–

–

the

space

.

o

f

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

v

e

r

–

–

–

the

space

.

o

f

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

the

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

e

.

while,

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

e

.

while,

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

t

h

e

.

moment

.

I

.

opened

.

m

y

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ until

.

t

h

e

.

moment

.

I

.

opened

.

m

y

.

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

came

.

t

o

.

realize,

.

.

w

e

.

.

were

.

n

o

.

longer

sitting

.

side

.

b

y

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

saw

.

y

o

u

.

on

.

a

.

train,

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

.

eyes,

–

–

meet

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

saw

.

y

o

u

.

on

.

a

.

train,

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

.

eyes,

–

–

meet

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

saw

.

y

o

u

.

on

.

a

.

train,

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

.

eyes,

–

–

meet

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

ride

.

t

h

e

.

highs,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

lows,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

tossing,

–

–

tumbling

tides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

d

i

d

.

fantasize,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

ride

.

t

h

e

.

highs,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

lows,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

tossing,

–

–

tumbling

tides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

hours

.

o

f

.

the

days

.

a

n

d

.

nights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

v

e

r

–

–

–

the

space

.

o

f

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ over

.

t

h

e

.

space

.

o

f

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

the

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

e

.

while,

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

e

.

while,

–

–

there

.

w

a

s

.

you

.

a

n

d

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

made

.

m

e

.

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

.

i

t

.

made

.

m

e

.

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

the

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

.

.

.

I

.

w

o

u

l

d

.

never

.

b

e

.

able

.

t

o

.

trade

.

t

h

e

.

lie . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

even

.

i

n

.

new

places

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

.

eyes,

–

–

meet

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ even

.

i

n

.

new

places

.

.

w

h

e

r

e

.

.

eyes,

–

–

meet

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

smile.

Reflection:  This is a romantic-themed poem that I wrote in May of 2025 while I was in Girona, Spain based on a real experience I had on a train while in Spain. I’m sure many of us have had passionate kinds of experiences like this. I wrote most of this poem in my hotel in Girona, Spain reflecting back, and later refined it using two haunting gems of songs: “The Strangest Thing” by George Michael and “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak. I played these songs in the background on repeat at low volume to create the “moodset” and refine the poem. If you listen to these songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.