Curiosity

crumbles

.

t

h

e

.

walls

.

o

f

.

hostility,

–

–

–

.

.

.

judgment,

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

jealousy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Curiosity

leaps

.

f

a

r

.

beyond

.

t

h

e

.

valleys

–

–

that

blame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

shame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

defame . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

demean . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Curiosity

celebrates

–

–

every

direction

.

o

f

.

differing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

every

color

.

o

f

.

diversity . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Curiosity

loves

.

a

n

d

.

values

–

–

everyone

.

a

n

d

.

everything . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Curiosity

clearly

sees

.

a

n

d

.

warmly

believes

–

–

that

every

–

–

form

.

o

f

.

humanity

.

i

s

.

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Curiosity

clearly

sees

.

a

n

d

.

warmly

believes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Curiosity

clearly

sees

.

a

n

d

.

warmly

believes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Curiosity

clearly

sees

.

a

n

d

.

warmly

believes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

every

life

–

–

that

breathes.

Reflection: This was an inspiration/hope-themed poem. I wrote most of this poem by reflecting on a Yahoo Finance article featuring an interview with Scott Shigeoka – a curiosity expert and author of the new book “Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World.”

I

remember

feeling . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

remember

feeling

.

t

h

i

s

.

way

before . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

felt

.

t

h

i

s

.

way

before . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

floor . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

f

e

l

l

.

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

floor . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

screamed

behind

.

t

h

e

.

door . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

screamed

behind

.

t

h

e

.

door . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

could

.

n

o

t

.

rise

above

.

t

h

e

.

roar . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

could

.

n

o

t

.

rise

above

.

t

h

e

.

roar . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

I

continued

.

t

o

.

fight

.

t

h

e

.

war . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

continued

.

t

o

.

fight

.

t

h

e

.

war . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

now

I

stand

upon

–

–

a

distant

shore . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

stand

upon

–

–

a

distant

shore . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

far

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

blisters,

–

–

burns,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

blurs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ far

away

.

f

r

o

m

.

the

whispered

words

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

arguing

.

f

o

r

.

less

than

.

m

y

.

worth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

for

more

–

–

than

I

deserved . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

argued

.

f

o

r

.

less

than

.

m

y

.

worth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

for

more

–

–

than

I

deserved . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

was

–

–

more

than

–

–

I

deserved . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

was

–

–

more

than

–

–

I

deserved . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

was

–

–

more

than

–

–

I

deserved . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

I

was

.

a

t

.

my

worst . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

remember

feeling . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

remember

feeling

.

t

h

i

s

.

way

before . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

felt

.

t

h

i

s

.

way

before . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

I

.

f

e

l

l

.

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

floor . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

.

 I

.

f

e

l

l

.

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

floor . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

screamed

behind

.

t

h

e

.

door.

Reflection: This was a personal struggle-themed poem largely reflective of an ongoing, internal struggle – from some kind of trauma that was experienced previously. It continues to resurface and the anxious sufferer senses another episode is on the way. Many people who have either experienced trauma or who have helped others in these regards will probably relate strongly to this poem.

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

You

were

.

t

h

e

.

lows

–

–

chasing

highs

.

i

n

.

the

lamplight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

were

.

t

h

e

.

rhythm

.

a

n

d

.

the

rhyme

.

i

n

.

the

lamplight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

were

.

t

h

e

.

starshine

.

o

f

.

the

skies

.

i

n

.

the

lamplight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

let’s

.

f

a

l

l

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

rise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

dance

left

.

t

o

.

right . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

hours

.

o

f

.

the

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

.

f

a

l

l

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

rise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

roll

side

.

t

o

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

we

waltz

–

–

with

.

t

h

e

.

sunrise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

.

f

a

l

l

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

rise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

.

f

a

l

l

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

rise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

.

f

a

l

l

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

rise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

climb

.

t

h

e

.

skies

.

t

i

l

l

.

we

find

–

–

a

place

.

t

o

.

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

climb

–

t

h

e

–

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

climb

.

t

h

e

.

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

climb

.

t

h

e

.

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

d

i

v

e

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

climb

.

t

h

e

.

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

climb

.

t

h

e

.

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

climb

.

t

h

e

.

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

d

i

v

e

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

t

o

–

–

–

the

wine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

race

.

t

h

e

.

tides

.

o

f

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

race

.

t

h

e

.

tides

.

o

f

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

race

.

t

h

e

.

tides

.

o

f

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

race

.

t

h

e

.

tides

.

o

f

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

leave

.

i

t

.

all

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

leave

.

i

t

.

all

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

wrongs

.

a

n

d

.

the

rights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

leave

.

i

t

.

all

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

lines

.

a

n

d

.

the

divides . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

leave

.

i

t

.

all

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

sighs

.

a

n

d

.

the

cries

.

o

f

.

wintertime . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

leave

.

i

t

.

all

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

leave

.

i

t

.

all

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

leave

.

i

t

.

all

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

.

w

e

.

have

.

a

l

l

.

night

.

t

o

.

make

.

i

t

.

shine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

have

.

a

l

l

.

night

.

t

o

.

live

.

a

l

l

.

the

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ to

live

.

a

l

l

.

the

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

were

.

t

h

e

.

lows

–

–

chasing

highs

.

i

n

.

the

lamplight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

were

.

t

h

e

.

rhythm

.

a

n

d

.

the

rhyme

.

i

n

.

the

lamplight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

were

.

t

h

e

.

starshine

.

o

f

.

the

skies

.

i

n

.

the

lamplight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

let’s

close

.

t

h

e

.

blinds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

f

a

l

l

.

.

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

rise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ let’s

.

.

.

f

a

l

l

.

.

.

into

.

t

h

e

.

rise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

roll

side

.

t

o

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

l

l

–

–

–

hours

.

o

f

.

the

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

hours

.

o

f

.

the

night . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

leave

.

i

t

.

all

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

leave

.

i

t

.

all

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

leave

.

i

t

.

all

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

leave

.

i

t

.

all

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

this

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

live

.

a

l

l

.

the

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Let’s

roll

.

t

h

e

.

dice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

live

.

a

l

l

.

the

lies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

can

–

–

roll

.

t

h

e

.

dice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

can

–

–

roll

.

t

h

e

.

dice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

can

–

–

roll

.

t

h

e

.

dice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

tonight,

–

–

you

.

a

n

d

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

can

–

–

roll

.

t

h

e

.

dice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

can

–

–

roll

.

t

h

e

.

dice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

can

–

–

roll

.

t

h

e

.

dice . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

tonight,

–

–

you

.

a

n

d

.

I . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

.

l

e

t

.

tomorrow

decide.

Reflection: This was a romantic-themed poem. I wrote most of this poem by reflecting on a hot, hot night I had with someone who shall go by the name of JT. What a wonderful experience! I think about it all the time.

Today,

a

.

n

e

w

.

dream

grows,

–

–

seeded

.

b

y

.

yesterday’s

hope . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ today,

a

dream

grows,

–

–

seeded

.

b

y

.

yesterday’s

hope . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

only

tomorrows

know . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

all

.

o

f

.

the

yesses

.

a

n

d

.

nos . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

all

.

o

f

.

the

fasts

.

a

n

d

.

slows . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

all

.

o

f

.

the

highs

.

a

n

d

.

lows . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

which

remains,

.

a

n

d

.

that

which

goes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

which

stagnates,

.

a

n

d

.

that

which

flows . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

that

which

dims,

.

a

n

d

.

that

which

glows . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ that

which

dims,

.

a

n

d

.

that

which

glows . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

all

along

those

–

–

raw,

.

a

n

d

.

rugged,

.

a

n

d

.

restless

roads . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

all

.

t

h

e

.

places

.

w

e

.

would

go.

Reflection: This is a reflective poem written as a reminder that all of the choices we make over the weeks, months, and years influence what we experience later in life – so, choose as wisely as you can at the time and grow that wisdom over the years that go by. I wrote most of this poem by listening to the wonderful gem of a song “And So It Goes” by Billy Joel which I played repeatedly in the background at low volume to create the “moodset” for (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.

It

.

w

a

s

.

in

this

town . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

in

this

house . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

in

this

room . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

I

knew

.

n

o

t

.

what

.

t

o

.

do . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

knew

.

n

o

t

.

what

.

t

o

.

do

.

.

i

n

.

.

that

room . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

now,

–

–

only

.

t

h

e

.

tune

.

o

f

.

echoes

–

–

tells

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

tune

.

o

f

.

echoes

–

–

tells

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

no

matter

what,

.

o

r

.

who,

.

.

o

r

.

.

how

much,

.

o

r

.

how

few,

.

.

i

n

.

.

my

life

–

–

becomes

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

no

matter

–

–

how

frequent,

.

o

r

.

how

distant

–

–

I

try

.

t

o

.

move . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

the

tune

.

o

f

.

echoes

–

–

tells

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

tune

.

o

f

.

echoes

–

–

tells

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

tune

.

o

f

.

echoes

–

–

tells

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

tune

.

o

f

.

echoes

–

–

tells

.

t

h

e

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

consumes

.

t

h

e

.

mood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

in

this

town . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

in

this

house . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

in

this

room.

Reflection: This is a melancholy poem where the sufferer looks back on something that has greatly affected his or her life – perhaps something that he or she could have done something about but was unable to at the time for whatever reason (lack of strength, lack of experience, lack of courage, lack of confidence, whatever). I wrote most of this poem by listening to the wonderful, haunting gem of a song “White Gloves” by Khruangbin which I played repeatedly in the background to create the “moodset” for (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.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

feel

it?

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

i

s

.

the

–

–

first

touch

.

o

f

.

sunshine,

–

–

felt

.

i

n

.

a

very

–

–

long

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

first

touch

.

o

f

.

sunshine,

–

–

felt

.

i

n

.

a

long

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

hear

it?

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

i

s

.

the

soothing

song

–

–

that

makes

.

y

o

u

.

smile,

.

a

n

d

.

sing

along . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

soothing

song

–

–

that

makes

.

y

o

u

.

smile,

.

a

n

d

.

sing

along . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

see

it?

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

i

s

.

the

warm

tears

.

o

f

.

hope,

–

–

when

you’ve

–

–

traveled

alone

.

a

n

d

.

wandered

far

–

–

from

home . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you’ve

–

–

traveled

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you’ve

–

–

traveled

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you’ve

–

–

traveled

alone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

wandered

far

–

–

from

home . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

begin

.

t

o

.

recognize

–

–

a

friendly,

–

–

familiar

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

recognize

–

–

a

friendly,

–

–

familiar

road . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Can

.

y

o

u

.

breathe

it?

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

i

s

.

the

warming,

–

–

welcome

scent

.

o

f

.

the

place

.

y

o

u

.

used

.

t

o

.

go

.

t

o

.

slow,

.

a

n

d

.

let

your

–

–

spirit

show . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

place

.

y

o

u

.

used

.

t

o

.

go

.

t

o

.

let

your

–

–

spirit

show . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Each,

.

a

n

d

.

all,

.

a

n

d

.

every

–

–

type

.

o

f

.

warmth

.

a

n

d

.

kindness

–

–

left

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

remains

.

w

i

t

h

.

you

.

a

l

l

.

the

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ every

warmth

.

a

n

d

.

kindness

–

–

left

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

remains

.

w

i

t

h

.

you

.

a

l

l

.

the

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

feel

it . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

hear

it . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

see

it . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

breathe

it . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

every

warmth

.

a

n

d

.

kindness

–

–

left

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

 ~ every

warmth

.

a

n

d

.

kindness

–

–

left

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ every

warmth

.

a

n

d

.

kindness

–

–

left

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

remains

.

w

i

t

h

.

you

.

a

l

l

.

the

time.

Reflection: This is an uplifting, inspirational poem I wrote about hope, mindfulness, optimism, and appreciation. I played the wonderful gem of a song “Cold Comfort” by STRFKR in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

Smiles

danced

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

eyes

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

alive

–

–

across

.

t

h

e

.

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

alive

–

–

across

.

t

h

e

.

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

starshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

danced

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

danced

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

danced

alive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

across

.

t

h

e

.

skies

.

o

f

.

starshine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

beneath

those

–

–

breathless

nights

.

o

f

.

wine,

–

–

rhyme,

.

a

n

d

.

exhilarating

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ beneath

those

–

–

breathless

nights

.

o

f

.

wine,

–

–

rhyme,

.

a

n

d

.

exhilarating

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

time

.

w

a

s

.

blind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

lies

.

w

e

r

e

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ Yes,

time

.

w

a

s

.

blind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

lies

.

w

e

r

e

.

kind

–

–

beneath

.

t

h

e

.

spinning

lights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ beneath

.

t

h

e

.

spinning

lights . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

those

breathless

nights

.

o

f

.

wine,

–

–

rhyme,

.

a

n

d

.

exhilarating

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ those

breathless

nights

.

o

f

.

wine,

–

–

rhyme,

.

a

n

d

.

exhilarating

highs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

smiles

danced

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

eyes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

eyes

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

smiles . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

alive

–

–

across

.

t

h

e

.

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

alive

–

–

across

.

t

h

e

.

skies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

starshine.

Reflection: This is a reflective poem looking back on the days of youth where everything was new and in bloom. I wrote most of this poem by listening to the wonderful, haunting gem of a song “Disco Girls” by Glosser which I played repeatedly in the background to create the “moodset” for (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.

There

must

.

b

e

.

more

.

t

h

a

n

.

this . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there

must

.

b

e

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

must

.

b

e

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

n

–

–

–

waiting

around

.

f

o

r

.

the

next

–

–

way

.

t

o

.

drown . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

must

.

b

e

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

n

–

–

–

racing

ahead . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ than

racing

ahead . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

.

w

i

t

h

–

–

–

that

burning

glow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

only

.

t

o

.

find

.

t

h

a

t

.

every

–

–

road,

–

–

leads

.

t

o

.

a

.

newer

low . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Your

every

–

–

road

–

–

leads

.

t

o

.

a

.

newer

low . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Your

every

–

–

road

–

–

leads

.

t

o

.

a

.

newer

low . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

begin

.

t

o

.

lose

.

t

h

a

t

.

glow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

begin

.

t

o

.

lose

.

t

h

a

t

.

glow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

begin

.

t

o

.

lose

.

t

h

a

t

.

glow . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

begin

.

t

o

.

lose

.

t

h

a

t

.

glow

.

o

f

.

hope . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

u

n

t

i

l

–

–

–

it

swallows

.

t

h

e

.

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

swallows

.

t

h

e

.

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

swallows

.

t

h

e

.

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

swallows

.

t

h

e

.

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

y

o

u

.

lose

.

t

h

a

t

.

hope . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

must

.

b

e

.

more

.

t

h

a

n

.

this . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there

must

.

b

e

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

There

must

.

b

e

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

n

–

–

–

hanging

on

.

t

o

.

a

song

.

y

o

u

.

know

.

i

s

.

wrong . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

song

.

y

o

u

.

know

.

i

s

.

wrong . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

still

can’t

–

–

move

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no,

.

y

o

u

.

can’t

–

–

move

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

w

h

e

n

–

–

–

all

.

y

o

u

.

can

do

.

i

s

.

hang

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

next

–

–

way

.

t

o

.

drown . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

all

.

o

f

.

those

–

–

roads,

–

–

leading

.

t

o

.

newer

lows . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

the

glow

.

o

f

.

hope

.

t

h

a

t

.

swallows

.

t

h

e

.

soul . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I’m

hanging

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

a

song

–

–

I

know

.

i

s

.

wrong.

Reflection: This was a forgotten but moving personal struggle-themed poem I wrote back in November of 2023 where the affected party cannot seem to find a path to longstanding joy, peace, and happiness. He/she repeatedly experiences the lows of life in multiple ways but there is hope in that the sufferer is still holding on and might find a way to create brighter future at some point.

I wrote most of this poem by listening to the wonderful, haunting gem of a song “Politik” by Coldplay which I played repeatedly in the background to create the “moodset” for (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.

The

only

way

.

t

o

.

get

there

.

i

s

.

speed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

only

way

.

t

o

.

get

there

.

i

s

.

!speed!

–

–

–

!!speed!!

–

–

–

!!!speed!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

s

–

–

–

we

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

live

.

t

h

e

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

between . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

live

.

t

h

e

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

between

.

t

h

e

.

glossy

scenes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

live

.

t

h

e

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

between

.

t

h

e

.

reali~

tease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

live

.

t

h

e

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

between

.

t

h

e

.

burning

beliefs

.

o

f

.

how

.

o

u

r

.

lives

–

–

might

need

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ of

how

.

o

u

r

.

lives

–

–

might

need

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

racing

–

–

wave,

–

–

after

wave,

–

–

after

wave,

–

–

after

wave . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

dimming

dreams

.

a

n

d

.

fantasies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

racing

after

–

–

dimming

dreams

.

a

n

d

.

fantasies . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

relentlessly

out

.

o

f

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

remain

–

–

relentlessly

out

.

o

f

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

remain

–

–

relentlessly

out

.

o

f

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

They

remain

–

–

relentlessly

out

.

o

f

.

reach . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

how

.

o

u

r

.

lives

–

–

might

need

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ for

how

.

o

u

r

.

lives

–

–

might

need

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

only

way

.

t

o

.

get

there

.

i

s

.

speed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

The

only

way

.

t

o

.

get

there

.

i

s

.

!speed!

–

–

–

!!speed!!

–

–

–

!!!speed!!!

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

seek . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

s

–

–

–

we

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

–

t

o

–

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

We

leap

.

f

r

o

m

.

screen

.

t

o

.

screen . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

live

.

t

h

e

.

mere

moments

.

i

n

.

between.

Reflection: 

This is a personal struggle themed poem where the affected party is consumed by technology and technological applications – leaving little room or time for living a full and rewarding life.

I wrote most of this poem by listening to “Titanic” by Arlie (especially the slower second half of the song) which I played repeatedly in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. And it worked well. The haunting voice really drove the writing of this poem. Also, the lyrics: “Time is frozen as we dart our eyes from screen to screen because we’ve chosen to ignore the darkness in between” influenced me. I wrote the words “as we leap from screen to screen” by reflecting on this.

If you listen to the song at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.

When

you

–

–

have

fallen

.

t

o

.

the

floor,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

then

you

.

f

a

l

l

.

some

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you

–

–

have

lost

.

i

t

.

all,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

are

crushed

–

–

against

.

t

h

e

.

wall . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

everything

–

–

once

firm

–

–

begins

.

t

o

.

blur,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

you

feel

.

n

o

.

longer

sure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you

–

–

want

.

s

o

.

much

.

t

o

.

die,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

just

need

.

a

.

hopeful

sign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

you

can

–

–

look

right

.

a

n

d

.

slightly

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

always

find,

.

t

h

e

.

outline

.

o

f

.

a

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

will

–

–

always

find

–

–

a

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

ready

.

t

o

.

heave,

.

a

n

d

.

lift,

.

a

n

d

.

pull

.

t

h

e

.

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

shine

.

a

.

smiling,

–

–

warming,

–

–

guiding

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

through

all

.

o

f

.

the

dust

.

a

n

d

.

dirt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

through

all

.

o

f

.

the

twists

.

a

n

d

.

turns . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

through

all

.

o

f

.

the

harms

.

a

n

d

.

hurts . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

even

those

–

–

that

still

–

–

haunt

.

a

n

d

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ even

those

–

–

that

still

–

–

haunt

.

a

n

d

.

burn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

can

climb . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

can

dive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

can

–

–

roll

.

a

n

d

.

whip

–

–

f

r

o

m

–

–

side

.

t

o

.

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

there

will

–

–

never

.

b

e

.

too

wide

.

a

.

divide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

too

deep

.

a

.

decline . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

me

.

t

o

.

let

go

.

o

f

.

that

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

will

–

–

grip

.

i

t

.

tight,

–

–

with

.

a

l

l

.

my

might . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

will

–

–

hold

.

t

h

a

t

.

line,

–

–

until

.

t

h

e

.

end

.

o

f

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

will

–

–

hold

.

t

h

a

t

.

line,

–

–

until

.

t

h

e

.

end

.

o

f

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

when

you

–

–

come

out

.

t

h

e

.

other

side . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

just

need

.

a

.

hopeful

sign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

you

can

–

–

look

right

.

a

n

d

.

slightly

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

always

find,

.

t

h

e

.

outline

.

o

f

.

a

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

will

–

–

always

find

–

–

a

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

ready

.

t

o

.

heave,

.

a

n

d

.

lift,

.

a

n

d

.

pull

.

t

h

e

.

line . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

shine

.

a

.

smiling,

–

–

warming,

–

–

guiding

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

might

.

b

e

.

the

quiet

type,

–

–

b

u

t

–

–

I

have

.

a

.

watchful

eye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

have

.

a

.

watchful

eye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

listen

.

f

o

r

.

the

faintest

slight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

listen

.

f

o

r

.

the

faintest

slight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

those

who

fly

–

–

too

wide

left

.

o

r

.

too

wide

right,

–

–

might

.

b

e

.

surprised

.

t

o

.

find

–

–

they

are

.

o

n

.

the

wrong

side

.

o

f

.

that

fight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ they

might

.

b

e

.

surprised

.

t

o

.

find

–

–

they

are

.

o

n

.

the

wrong

side

.

o

f

.

that

fight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

a

smile

–

–

draws

tight

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

the

eyes

ignite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

smile

–

–

draws

tight

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

the

eyes

ignite . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

against

the

–

–

wrong

side

.

o

f

.

that

fight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you

–

–

have

fallen

.

t

o

.

the

floor,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

then

you

.

f

a

l

l

.

some

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you

–

–

have

lost

.

i

t

.

all,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

are

crushed

–

–

against

.

t

h

e

.

wall . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

everything

–

–

once

firm

–

–

begins

.

t

o

.

blur,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

you

feel

.

n

o

.

longer

sure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

When

you

–

–

want

.

s

o

.

much

.

t

o

.

die,

–

–

a

n

d

–

–

just

need

.

a

.

hopeful

sign . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

you

can

–

–

look

right

.

a

n

d

.

slightly

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

there

you

.

w

i

l

l

.

always

find,

.

t

h

e

.

outline

.

o

f

.

a

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

will

–

–

always

find

.

a

.

face

–

–

you

recognize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time,

–

–

after

time.

Reflection:

This was an important poem for me to write. I was out one night when the title flashed in my mind and many of the words flowed immediately after, and I realized I had a lot to say about this.

For those who have special people in their lives that remain by their side time after time no matter what happens or how bad things get, please realize that many people in life never get to experience that. So, my hope is this poem will inspire you to warmly appreciate those wonderful people in your life who always go the extra mile, who always cheer you on no matter what happens, and who you can always rely on. Because such people are rare, and this poem was written for them but also for you. May this poem inspire you to recognize and warmly appreciate the wonderful people in your life who remain by your side no matter what happens in life.

I have been that person for certain others in my life, and others have been that person for me. So, I’ve been very fortunate.

I wrote most of this poem by listening to “The Impossible Dream” by Jack Jones which I played in the background to create the “moodset” for the poem. I also used “Adeline” by Alt-J, “Brothers in Arms” by Dire Straits, and “Goodnight Saigon” by Billy Joel to help fine tune the poem. So, if you listen to either (or all) of these songs at low volume while reading this poem, you might better get the “feel” of it.