You

might

have

–

–

yearned

.

f

o

r

.

more

.

o

r

.

stirred

.

t

h

e

.

urge . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

got

hammered

.

w

i

t

h

.

hurt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

might

.

h

a

v

e

.

gotten

hammered

.

w

i

t

h

.

hurt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

no

matter

how

–

–

much

it

bleeds

.

a

n

d

.

burns . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

you

can

–

–

rest

assured

–

–

there

.

i

s

.

always

–

–

something

there

.

t

o

.

learn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there

.

i

s

.

always

–

–

something

there

.

t

o

.

learn,

–

–

which

can

–

–

push

.

y

o

u

.

beyond

.

t

h

e

.

blur . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

create

.

t

h

e

.

coming

.

o

f

.

the

curve . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

can

–

–

push

.

y

o

u

.

beyond

.

t

h

e

.

blur . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

create

.

t

h

e

.

coming

.

o

f

.

the

curve . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

when

.

i

t

.

turns,

.

i

t

.

turns . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

when

.

i

t

.

turns,

.

i

t

.

turns,

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

turns . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

turns . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

turns . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

.

m

a

y

.

feel

a

little

.

m

o

r

e

.

pure,

.

a

n

d

.

a

little

.

m

o

r

e

.

sure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

.

m

a

y

.

feel

a

little

.

m

o

r

e

.

sure . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

gain

a

greater

sense

.

o

f

.

worth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ experience

a

kind

rebirth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

merge

into

.

t

h

e

.

mirth

–

–

that

things

.

a

r

e

.

no

longer

.

a

s

.

they

were . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ things

.

a

r

e

.

no

longer

.

a

s

.

they

were . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

before

.

t

h

e

.

time

–

–

when

.

y

o

u

.

yearned

.

f

o

r

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ before

.

t

h

e

.

time

–

–

when

.

y

o

u

.

yearned

.

f

o

r

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ before

.

t

h

e

.

time

–

–

when

.

y

o

u

.

yearned

.

f

o

r

.

more . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

got

hammered

.

w

i

t

h

.

hurt . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

bled

.

a

n

d

.

burned.

Reflection:  This was a popular hope/inspiration-themed poem I wrote back in January of 2022. When reflecting on my investments and losing 6% in 2022 in just the first month, I decided to stay the course and continue buying into weakness although I was almost 100% invested – because when it turns, it turns . . . That line stuck with me and inspired me to write this poem. The stock market carnage continued throughout 2022 but I more than made up for the losses in 2023.

There

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

time

–

–

when

I

.

.

wanted

something

–

–

newer,

.

t

h

a

n

.

newer,

.

t

h

a

n

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

.

wanted

something

–

–

newer,

.

t

h

a

n

.

newer,

.

t

h

a

n

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

.

wanted

something

–

–

newer

.

t

h

a

n

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

.

.

wanted

something

–

–

newer

.

t

h

a

n

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

.

wanted

something

–

–

newer

.

t

h

a

n

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

now

I

paint

.

m

y

.

world

.

i

n

.

broken-hearted

blue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

paint

.

m

y

.

world . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

paint

.

m

y

.

world . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

paint

.

m

y

.

world . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

broken-hearted

blue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

where

everything

–

i

s

–

much

too,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

fewer

.

t

h

a

n

.

few . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

everything

.

i

s

.

much

too,

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

fewer,

.

t

h

a

n

.

few . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

I

would

–

–

rather

brood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

I

would

–

–

rather

brood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

within

.

t

h

e

.

shadows

.

o

f

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

a

n

–

–

–

pursue

.

a

n

d

.

move,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

move

.

a

n

d

.

pursue

–

–

a

runaway,

–

–

rollaway

room . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ a

runaway,

–

–

rollaway

room

.

o

f

.

musical

moons

.

w

i

t

h

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

would

–

–

rather

brood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

would

–

–

rather

brood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

would

–

–

rather

brood . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

within

.

t

h

e

.

shadows

.

o

f

.

truth . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

yes,

–

–

there

once

.

w

a

s

.

a

time

–

–

when

I

.

.

wanted

something

–

–

newer,

.

t

h

a

n

.

newer,

.

t

h

a

n

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

.

.

wanted

something

–

–

newer,

.

t

h

a

n

.

newer,

.

t

h

a

n

.

new . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

now

I

paint

.

m

y

.

world

.

i

n

.

broken-hearted

blue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

paint

.

m

y

.

world

.

i

n

.

broken-hearted

blue . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

brood

within

.

t

h

e

.

shadows

.

o

f

.

truth.

Reflection: This was a melancholy-themed poem that I wrote back in December of 2021 where the contemplator looks back on a troubled romance that he or she repeatedly considered trading for something new but was never able to. The troubled romance (although long over) still hurts and haunts, and he or she still cannot escape its reach. I came up with the opening lines and then used the song “You Said” by Fontaines D.C. to play in the background at low volume to help 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.

How

many,

.

many

times

.

h

a

v

e

.

I

.

wanted

.

t

o

.

feel

.

s

o

.

feverishly

fine?

–

–

–

.

.

.

How

many,

.

many

times

.

h

a

v

e

.

I

.

wrapped

.

a

n

d

.

warmed

.

myself

.

i

n

.

the

.

wistful

wish

.

o

f

.

that

.

wondrous

wine?

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ your

eyes

.

wanting

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Your

eyes

.

wanting

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Your

eyes

.

wanting

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

served

.

i

n

.

style,

–

–

with

.

a

.

candlelight

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

.

would

.

h

a

v

e

.

done

anything . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

.

would

.

h

a

v

e

.

been

anyone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

.

would

.

h

a

v

e

.

gone

anywhere . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

o

–

–

–

write

.

e

v

e

n

.

one,

–

–

lousy,

–

–

lustful

line

.

i

n

.

your

.

breathless

book

.

o

f

.

rapture

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

would

.

h

a

v

e

.

done

anything . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

would

.

h

a

v

e

.

been

anyone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

.

I

.

would

.

h

a

v

e

.

gone

anywhere . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

just

.

t

o

.

take

.

t

h

a

t

.

fanciful

flight . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

higher,

.

t

h

a

n

.

higher,

.

t

h

a

n

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

went

.

higher,

.

t

h

a

n

.

higher,

.

t

h

a

n

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

.

i

t

.

went

.

higher,

.

t

h

a

n

.

higher,

.

t

h

a

n

.

higher,

.

t

h

a

n

.

high . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

maya

.

o

f

.

my

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

now

.

a

s

.

the

.

years

begin

.

t

o

.

slip,

.

a

n

d

.

slide,

.

a

n

d

.

glide

.

o

n

.

by . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

l

o

o

k

.

behind,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

come

.

t

o

.

realize . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

l

o

o

k

.

behind,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

it

comes

.

a

s

.

no

surprise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

comes

.

a

s

.

no

surprise

–

–

right

now

.

a

s

.

I

.

realize

.

t

h

a

t

.

time

.

w

a

s

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ time

.

w

a

s

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

time

.

w

a

s

.

kind

.

a

l

l

.

that

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

t

h

a

t

.

while,

–

–

when

.

I

.

w

a

s

.

blind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

 ~ yes,

.

I

.

w

a

s

.

blind

.

a

l

l

.

that

while,

–

–

when

time

.

w

a

s

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

today

.

y

o

u

r

.

eyes

r ~ e ~ a ~ c ~ h

.

f

o

r

.

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

today

.

y

o

u

r

.

eyes

r ~ e ~ a ~ c ~ h

.

f

o

r

.

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

wrapping

.

a

n

d

.

warming

me

.

i

n

.

the

.

wistful

wish

.

o

f

.

that

.

wondrous

wine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

wistful

.

wish

.

o

f

.

that

.

wondrous

wine

.

s

o

.

fine

.

a

n

d

.

divine

.

i

n

.

its

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

eyes,

.

wanting

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

served

.

i

n

.

style,

–

–

with

.

a

.

candlelight

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Eyes,

.

wanting

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Eyes,

.

wanting

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Eyes,

.

wanting

mine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

after

.

a

l

l

.

this

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

time

.

w

a

s

.

kind,

.

a

l

l

.

the

while

–

–

when

.

I

.

w

a

s

.

blind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

time

.

w

a

s

.

kind

.

a

l

l

.

that

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

all

.

I

.

c

a

n

.

do

.

right

now

.

i

s

.

smile

.

a

n

d

.

sigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

sigh

.

a

n

d

.

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

smile

.

a

n

d

.

sigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

sigh

.

a

n

d

.

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

smile

.

a

n

d

.

sigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

sigh

.

a

n

d

.

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

.

smile

.

a

n

d

.

sigh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

sigh

.

a

n

d

.

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

softly

decline.

Reflection: This was a romantic-themed poem that I wrote back in October of 2021 where the contemplator looks back on a romantic infatuation with someone who awed and consumed him/her for many, many years. The contemplator meets up with the person again years later and comes to realize there is nothing left – either he/she or the person of affection (or both) had changed to the point there was no hint of a spark or attraction remaining. I used the song “Rhythm of the Night” by Corona to play in the background at low volume to help 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.

A

binge

–

–

becomes

addiction . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

here

comes

.

t

h

a

t

.

feeling

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

.

h

e

r

e

.

comes

.

t

h

a

t

.

fleeting

.

a

n

d

.

flickering

–

–

feeling

again . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

heartbeats

skipping,

.

a

n

d

.

cartwheeling,

.

a

n

d

.

freewheeling

–

–

into

.

t

h

a

t

.

fairytale

fantasy

–

–

as

old

.

a

n

d

.

timeless

.

a

s

.

the

sea . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ as

old

.

a

n

d

.

timeless

.

a

s

.

the

sea . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Did

.

y

o

u

.

think

.

i

t

.

might

–

–

make

.

y

o

u

.

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ did

.

y

o

u

.

think

.

i

t

.

might . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ this

dance

.

w

i

t

h

.

ecstasy

.

s

o

.

serenely

sweet . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ this

dance

.

w

i

t

h

.

ecstasy

.

s

o

.

serenely

sweet

.

a

n

d

.

pleasing

.

i

t

.

seems . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

.

c

a

n

.

like,

.

a

n

d

.

lust,

.

a

n

d

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

.

c

a

n

.

like,

.

a

n

d

.

lust,

.

a

n

d

.

love . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

we

.

c

a

n

.

like,

.

a

n

d

.

lust,

.

a

n

d

.

love . . .

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

where

.

d

o

.

you

think

.

i

t

.

might

lead . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ just

where

.

d

o

.

you

think

.

i

t

.

might

lead . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

streets

–

–

where

naive

dreams

–

–

begin

.

t

o

.

bruise

.

a

n

d

.

bleed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

streets

–

–

where

jealousy

.

a

n

d

.

greed

–

–

breathes

.

a

n

d

.

feeds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

breathes

.

a

n

d

.

feeds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

breathes

.

a

n

d

.

feeds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

breathes

.

a

n

d

.

feeds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

infecting

each,

.

a

n

d

.

all,

.

a

n

d

.

every . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ infecting

each,

.

a

n

d

.

all,

.

a

n

d

.

every . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

streets

–

–

where

jealousy

.

a

n

d

.

greed

–

–

breathes

.

a

n

d

.

feeds . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

n

–

–

–

the

streets

–

–

where

naive

dreams

–

–

begin

.

t

o

.

bruise

.

a

n

d

.

bleed . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

binge

–

–

becomes

addiction . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

binge

–

–

becomes

addiction . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

A

binge

–

–

becomes

addiction . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

here

comes

.

t

h

a

t

.

feeling

again.

Reflection:  This poem is a reflection on those uncontrollable urges and temptations we sometimes get which can take on a life of their own. The person in the poem suffering from such urges and temptations – and the dark places they have sometimes led expresses uneasiness, anxiety, and the sense of helplessness and hopelessness that a new negative cycle is about to begin with the line: “but… here comes that feeling again.”

Anytime something consumes so much of our life that we make little or no progress, or do much of anything else, in our lives, we must take drastic, continual action in the attempt to defeat and overcome.

I heard the line “drink into addition” in the Holy Wave song “Interloper” and then came up with the line “A binge becomes addiction” and the remainder of the poem came into being after starting from that.

I played this song repeatedly in the background at low volume 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.

Have

.

y

o

u

.

ever

.

s

e

e

n

.

a

.

day

.

s

o

.

kind,

–

–

you

.

c

a

n

.

do

.

nothing

.

b

u

t

.

smile ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Have

.

y

o

u

.

ever

.

s

e

e

n

.

a

.

day

.

s

o

.

kind ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Have

.

y

o

u

.

ever

.

s

e

e

n

.

a

.

spirit

.

shine

.

s

o

.

warm

.

a

n

d

.

bright,

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

.

tears

.

o

f

.

sunshine

.

f

a

l

l

.

from

.

y

o

u

r

.

eyes ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Have

.

y

o

u

.

ever

.

s

e

e

n

.

a

.

spirit

.

shine

.

s

o

.

warm

.

a

n

d

.

bright ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Well,

.

s

u

c

h

.

beauty

.

i

s

.

all

.

around

.

f

o

r

.

everyone

.

t

o

.

perceive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ such

beauty

.

i

s

.

all

.

around

.

f

o

r

.

everyone

.

t

o

.

perceive . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

f

–

–

–

they

.

p

u

l

l

.

the

.

ripcord . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ if

they

.

p

u

l

l

.

the

.

ripcord . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

release,

.

a

n

d

.

dream,

.

a

n

d

.

decree

.

t

o

.

be

.

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ if

they

.

p

u

l

l

.

the

.

ripcord,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

decree

.

t

o

.

be

.

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

all

.

o

f

.

those

.

tangled

.

strings . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ from

all

.

o

f

.

those

.

tangled

.

strings . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

binding

.

a

n

d

.

blinding

.

beliefs . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

all

.

o

f

.

those

.

have

.

t

o

.

do-s,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

have

.

t

o

.

be-s . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

o

f

.

those

.

tangled

.

strings . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

.

o

f

.

those

.

tangled

.

strings . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

all

.

w

e

.

think

.

w

e

.

have

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

instead

.

o

f

.

pulling

.

t

h

e

.

ripcord . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

choosing

.

t

o

.

be

.

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ instead

.

o

f

.

pulling

.

t

h

e

.

ripcord . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

choosing

.

t

o

.

be

.

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

all

.

w

e

.

think

.

w

e

.

have

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ from

all

.

w

e

.

think

.

w

e

.

have

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

instead

.

o

f

.

living

.

a

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ instead

.

o

f

.

living

.

a

.

beaming,

–

–

boundless

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

full

.

o

f

.

all

.

a

n

d

.

everything

.

w

e

.

might

.

wish

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ full

.

o

f

.

all

.

a

n

d

.

everything

.

w

e

.

might

.

wish

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Have

.

y

o

u

.

ever

.

s

e

e

n

.

a

.

day

.

s

o

.

kind,

–

–

you

.

c

a

n

.

do

.

nothing

.

b

u

t

.

smile ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Have

.

y

o

u

.

ever

.

s

e

e

n

.

a

.

spirit

.

shine

.

s

o

.

warm

.

a

n

d

.

bright,

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

.

tears

.

o

f

.

sunshine

.

f

a

l

l

.

from

.

y

o

u

r

.

eyes ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Well,

.

t

h

e

.

light,

.

a

n

d

.

landscape,

.

a

n

d

.

layout

.

o

f

.

your

.

life,

.

.

i

s

.

.

only

.

f

o

r

.

you

.

t

o

.

decide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

is

.

o

n

l

y

.

for

.

y

o

u

.

to

.

decide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

choose

.

t

o

.

be

.

light . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

choose

.

t

o

.

be

.

wise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

you

.

c

a

n

.

be

.

t

h

a

t

.

day

.

s

o

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

.

c

a

n

.

be

.

t

h

a

t

.

spirit

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

shines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

you

.

c

a

n

.

live

.

a

.

life

.

s

o

.

kind,

.

.

t

h

a

t

.

.

everyone

.

smiles,

.

a

n

d

.

everything

.

shines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

.

c

a

n

.

live

.

t

h

a

t

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

you

.

c

a

n

.

live

.

t

h

a

t

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

i

f

–

–

–

you

.

realize,

–

–

this

.

i

s

.

YOUR

.

life . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

only

.

f

o

r

.

YOU

.

t

o

.

decide.

Reflection: This was an inspiration/hope-themed poem that I wrote back in September of 2021 to inspire people to live their life exactly the way they want without being influenced so much by others or worrying so much about what others think. Because it’s okay to live your life your way – even if you end up on the wrong path here and there and need to adjust.

Do

.

y

o

u

.

invest

.

y

o

u

r

.

time,

–

–

creating

.

a

.

l

i

f

e

.

full

.

o

f

.

rhythm

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ do

.

y

o

u

.

invest

.

y

o

u

r

.

time,

–

–

creating

.

t

h

a

t

.

kind

.

o

f

.

life ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

do

.

y

o

u

.

wile

.

away

.

a

n

d

.

waste

.

t

h

e

.

time ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ do

.

y

o

u

.

wile

.

away

.

a

n

d

.

waste

.

t

h

e

.

time ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

trying

.

t

o

.

escape

.

t

h

e

.

life

.

y

o

u

.

designed

.

a

l

l

.

the

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ trying

.

t

o

.

escape

.

t

h

e

.

life

.

y

o

u

.

designed

.

a

l

l

.

the

.

while . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

y

–

–

–

all

.

y

o

u

.

buy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

y

–

–

–

all

.

y

o

u

.

hide . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

y

–

–

–

all

.

y

o

u

.

deny . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

between

.

t

h

e

.

blind,

–

–

white

–

–

lines

.

o

f

.

momentary

–

–

magic

.

a

n

d

.

plastic,

–

–

paper

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ between

.

t

h

e

.

blind,

–

–

white

–

–

lines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ between

.

t

h

e

.

blind,

–

–

white

–

–

lines . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

momentary

–

–

magic

.

a

n

d

.

plastic,

–

–

paper

paradise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

wasting

.

a

l

l

.

that

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

wasting

.

a

l

l

.

that

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

wasting

.

a

l

l

.

that

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Are

.

y

o

u

.

running

away ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

Are

.

y

o

u

.

running

away ?

–

–

–

.

.

Are

.

y

o

u

.

running

away ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

r

o

m

–

–

–

the

.

life

.

y

o

u

.

try

.

t

o

.

escape . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

instead

.

o

f

.

the

.

future

.

y

o

u

.

might

.

otherwise

create . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ instead

.

o

f

.

the

.

future

.

y

o

u

.

might

.

otherwise

create . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

well . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

instead

.

o

f

.

blame,

.

a

n

d

.

shame,

.

a

n

d

.

the

.

emptiness

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

remains . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

instead

.

o

f

.

blame,

.

a

n

d

.

shame,

.

a

n

d

.

the

.

emptiness

.

w

h

i

c

h

.

remains . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

page,

–

–

after

page,

–

–

after

page,

–

–

after

page . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

f

–

–

–

what

.

might

.

h

a

v

e

.

been

.

better

.

a

n

d

.

brighter

days . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

instead

.

o

f

.

just

.

t

h

e

.

same,

.

o

l

d

.

same,

.

o

l

d

.

same . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

ask

yourself:

What

kind

.

o

f

.

life

–

–

might

    I

create ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

What

might

    I

change ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

What

might

    I

embrace ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

What

might

    I

appreciate ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

What

kind

.

o

f

.

life

–

–

might

    I

create ?

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

you

.

c

a

n

.

blame,

.

a

n

d

.

complain,

.

a

n

d

.

remain

.

t

h

e

.

same . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

c

a

n

.

blame,

.

a

n

d

.

complain,

.

a

n

d

.

remain

.

t

h

e

.

same . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

.

c

a

n

.

blame,

.

a

n

d

.

complain,

.

a

n

d

.

remain

.

t

h

e

.

same . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

o

r

–

–

–

you

.

c

a

n

.

choose

.

t

o

.

change . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

.

c

a

n

.

choose

.

t

o

.

change

.

today.

Reflection: This was an inspiration/hope-themed poem that I wrote back in June of 2021 to inspire people to embrace positive change and live a happier life. The following thought came to mind: “Invest your time building the life that you want instead of wasting your time trying to escape the life that you have.” So, I decided to write a poem based on that. I refined the poem using the song “Old” by Starflyer 59 playing in the background at low volume to help 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.

Sunshine

smiles

bright

.

a

n

d

.

wide,

–

–

all

across

.

t

h

e

.

tangerine

sky . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ all

across

.

t

h

e

.

tangerine

sky

.

o

f

.

goodbye . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

.

c

a

n

.

sometimes

–

–

fill

.

m

y

.

soul

–

–

with

song

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

can

–

–

fill

.

m

y

.

soul

–

–

with

song

.

a

n

d

.

rhyme

–

–

sometimes . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

t

h

e

.

mood

.

i

s

.

right,

.

a

n

d

.

time

.

i

s

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ when

.

t

h

e

.

mood

.

i

s

.

right,

.

a

n

d

.

time

.

i

s

.

kind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

see

.

y

o

u

.

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

see

.

y

o

u

.

smile

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

see

.

y

o

u

.

smile

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

I

see

.

y

o

u

.

smile

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

I

start

.

t

o

.

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

start

.

t

o

.

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

all

.

t

h

e

.

years

.

g

o

n

e

.

by . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

start

.

t

o

.

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

all

.

t

h

e

.

years

.

g

o

n

e

.

by . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ I

start

.

t

o

.

cry . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

all

.

t

h

e

.

years

.

g

o

n

e

.

by . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

a

time

–

–

once

kind,

.

a

n

d

.

warm,

.

a

n

d

.

divine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

became

cool,

.

a

n

d

.

dry,

.

a

n

d

.

cruel

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

became

cool,

.

a

n

d

.

dry,

.

a

n

d

.

cruel

.

i

n

.

mind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

any

time

–

–

I

would

.

s

e

e

.

that

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ any

time

–

–

I

would

.

s

e

e

.

that

smile . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Sunshine

smiles

bright

.

a

n

d

.

wide

–

–

all

across

.

t

h

e

.

tangerine

sky . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

smiles

bright

–

a

n

d

–

wide

–

–

all

across

.

t

h

e

.

tangerine

sky

.

o

f

.

goodbye.

Reflection:  

This poem pretty much wrote itself after the opening lines came to mind.

How

many

times

–

–

will

you

–

–

believe

it’s

true . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

it’s

.

n

o

.

surprise

–

–

that

you

–

–

accent

every

view

.

a

n

d

.

consume

every

room . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it’s

.

n

o

.

surprise

–

–

that

your

arrogance

–

–

adores

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ No,

it’s

.

n

o

.

surprise

–

–

that

your

arrogance

–

–

adores

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

through,

.

a

n

d

.

through,

.

a

n

d

.

through,

.

a

n

d

.

through,

.

a

n

d

.

through . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

how

many

times

–

–

will

you

–

–

believe

it’s

true . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

How

many

times

–

–

will

you

–

–

believe

it’s

true . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

How

many

times

–

–

will

you

–

–

believe

it’s

true . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

it’s

.

n

o

.

surprise

–

–

that

you

–

–

accent

every

view

.

a

n

d

.

consume

every

room . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it’s

.

n

o

.

surprise . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ No,

it’s

.

n

o

.

surprise…

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

your

arrogance

–

–

adores

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ Yes,

your

arrogance

–

–

adores

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

all

the

way

.

d

o

w

n

.

to

your

shoes.

Reflection: The line “your arrogance adores you” came to mind and the rest of the poem quickly wrote itself. I’ve seen several people in my life who fit the description in this poem – I’m sure many people have.

You

used

.

t

o

.

be

.

t

h

e

.

glossy,

–

–

glamour

magazine . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

used

.

t

o

.

believe

.

y

o

u

.

had

.

t

o

.

change

everything . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

You

used

.

t

o

.

believe

.

y

o

u

.

had

.

t

o

.

change

everything . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

because

.

y

o

u

.

could

.

n

o

t

.

perceive

.

t

h

e

.

beauty . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

could

.

n

o

t

.

perceive

.

t

h

e

.

beauty,

.

.

s

o

.

.

obvious

.

t

o

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

.

w

a

s

.

obvious

.

t

o

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

even

though

.

I

.

told

.

y

o

u

.

that

.

y

o

u

.

could

.

b

e

.

anyone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ that

.

y

o

u

.

could

.

b

e

.

anything . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

you

smiled

.

a

n

d

.

laughed,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

tossed

.

y

o

u

r

.

head

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

saying

.

i

f

.

you

.

could

.

n

o

t

.

achieve

.

t

h

e

.

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ if

you

–

–

could

.

n

o

t

.

live

.

t

h

a

t

.

life

.

o

f

.

peaceful

ease

.

a

n

d

.

prosperity . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

t

h

e

n

–

–

–

please,

–

–

make

.

i

t

.

easy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ please,

.

j

u

s

t

.

make

.

i

t

.

easy,

.

.

y

o

u

.

.

said

.

w

i

t

h

.

a

smile

.

a

n

d

.

a

laugh . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

said

.

i

t

.

with

.

a

smile

.

a

n

d

.

a

laugh,

.

.

a

n

d

.

.

tossed

.

y

o

u

r

.

head

back . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

that

was

.

i

n

.

the

past . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ yes,

that

.

w

a

s

.

in

.

t

h

e

.

past . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

now,

–

–

there

.

i

s

.

nothing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Now,

–

–

there

.

i

s

.

nothing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Now,

–

–

there

.

i

s

.

nothing . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

the

haunting:

–

–

–

.

.

.

“Achieve

.

t

h

e

.

dream,

.

.

o

r

.

.

just

.

make

.

i

t

.

easy . . .”

–

–

–

.

.

.

“Achieve

.

t

h

e

.

dream,

.

.

o

r

.

.

just

.

make

.

i

t

.

easy . . .”

–

–

–

.

.

.

“Achieve

.

t

h

e

.

dream,

.

.

o

r

.

.

just

.

make

.

i

t

.

easy . . .”

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

it’s

.

n

o

t

.

easy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no,

it’s

.

n

o

t

.

easy,

–

–

sleeping

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

memory . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ sleeping

.

w

i

t

h

.

the

memory

.

o

f

.

how

things

.

used

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ of

.

h

o

w

.

things

used

.

t

o

.

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

before

.

y

o

u

.

made

.

i

t

.

easy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

before

.

y

o

u

.

made

.

i

t

.

easy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

before

.

y

o

u

.

made

.

i

t

.

easy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

.

.

.

it’s

.

n

o

t

.

easy . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ no,

it’s

.

n

o

t

.

easy,

–

–

here

.

f

o

r

.

me.

Reflection: This was a melancholy-themed poem that I wrote back in May of 2021. This was written in reflection of those heartbreaking, hopeless souls who can never seem to maintain a positive perspective or rise above the lows – no matter how hard you try to help them. I used the song “Creature Comfort” by Arcade Fire to play in the background at low volume 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.

It

seemed

.

t

o

.

be

a

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

we

.

w

e

r

e

.

dancing

carelessly

.

d

o

w

n

.

those

candied

–

–

apple

streets . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

.

w

e

r

e

.

dancing

carelessly

.

d

o

w

n

.

those

candied

–

–

apple

streets

.

o

f

.

never

ending

reverie

.

a

n

d

.

possibility . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

it

was

.

t

h

e

.

seeming

eternity . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

seeming

eternity

.

o

f

.

spring . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

was

.

t

h

e

.

seeming

eternity

.

o

f

.

spring . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

w

e

.

entered

.

t

h

a

t

.

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

dancing

carelessly

.

d

o

w

n

.

those

candied

–

–

apple

streets . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

s

o

–

–

–

happy,

–

–

adventurous,

.

a

n

d

.

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ we

.

w

e

r

e

.

happy,

–

–

adventurous,

.

a

n

d

.

free . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

thinking

this

.

w

a

s

.

the

.

w

a

y

.

things

would

–

–

always

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ the

.

w

a

y

.

things

would

–

–

always

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Another

passionate

kiss . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

Another

feeling

.

o

f

.

bliss . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

then

another . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

could

–

–

happen

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

day . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

could

–

–

happen

.

e

v

e

r

y

.

week . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

could

–

–

happen

.

i

n

.

a

cafe . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

could

–

–

happen

.

o

n

.

the

street . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

could

–

–

happen

.

w

i

t

h

.

anxiety . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

could

–

–

happen

.

w

i

t

h

.

ease . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

could

–

–

happen

.

t

o

.

you . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

it

could

–

–

happen

.

t

o

.

me . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

only

because . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ because

only

.

i

t

.

seemed

–

–

this

was

.

t

h

e

.

way

–

–

things

would

–

–

always

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ this

was

.

t

h

e

.

way

–

–

things

would

–

–

always

be . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

when

you

.

a

r

e

.

young . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

you

believe

.

i

t

.

just

–

–

goes

on

.

a

n

d

.

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

believe

.

i

t

.

just

–

–

goes

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ it

just

–

–

goes

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

until

.

y

o

u

.

realize

–

–

you’ve

reached

.

t

h

e

.

end

.

o

f

.

that

song . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

have

only

–

–

danced

’til

dawn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ you

.

h

a

v

e

.

only

–

–

danced

’til

dawn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

.

y

o

u

.

realize

–

–

there’s

.

s

o

.

many

more

–

–

miles

ahead

.

t

h

a

n

.

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

 ~ there’s

.

s

o

.

many

more

–

–

miles

ahead

.

t

h

a

n

.

behind . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

the

miles

–

–

get

longer

.

w

i

t

h

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ yes,

.

t

h

e

.

miles

–

–

get

longer

.

w

i

t

h

.

time . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

f

o

r

–

–

–

you

have

only

–

–

danced

’til

dawn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

all

.

o

f

.

those

–

–

magical

moments,

–

–

now

.

a

r

e

.

gone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ yes,

all

.

o

f

.

those

–

–

magical

moments,

–

–

now

.

a

r

e

.

gone . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

b

u

t

–

–

–

I

miss

.

t

h

a

t

.

dance . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

that

dawn . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

I

miss

.

t

h

a

t

.

song . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ I

miss

.

t

h

a

t

.

song

.

t

h

a

t

.

went

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

on . . .

–

–

–

–

.

.

.

a

n

d

–

–

–

on . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

It

seemed

.

t

o

.

be

a

dream . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

when

we

.

w

e

r

e

.

dancing

carelessly

.

d

o

w

n

.

those

candied

–

–

apple

streets . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

  ~ we

.

w

e

r

e

.

dancing

carelessly

.

d

o

w

n

.

those

candied

–

–

apple

streets

.

i

n

.

the

seeming

eternity . . .

–

–

–

.

.

.

~ the

seeming

eternity

.

o

f

.

spring.

Reflection:  

This poem was inspired by the movie “Before Sunset” (a sequel to “After Sunrise”) and largely reflects the romantic ease frequently experienced in the days of youth – something which starts to get more difficult and far less frequent as we age. We could be awkward and make so many blunders in our days of youth and quickly recover from those, but we tend to become less forgiving with others (and ourselves) as time marches on. I have many fond memories of those early, adventurous days of my life.

I used to song “Good Love” by Zola Blood to play repeatedly in the background at low volume 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.