Vibrations

Tags

compassion, death, destiny, dreams, emotion, empathy, empowerment, eternal, forever, lifetimes, love, loving kindness, mankind, mystery, personal, philosophy, spiritual, unconditional love, universe

vibrations of amethyst,
lilac and lavender,
point the direction
my travels should take

incense of frankincense
tears from north Africa
carry my prayers
upon smoke to the skies

guide me, my spirit
protect me from danger
let white light surround me
until I return

what will I find there
while flowing in ethers
away from my body,
away from my mind?

my soul floats forever
on moments eternal
to earth I am tethered —
as kite by a string

morning star, wishing star,
star guides the sailer,
comets are singing
celestial songs.

the universe moving,
continual turmoil
while moon in his glory
watches it all

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Steps of Stone

Tags

compassion, death, destiny, emotion, empathy, empowerment, eternal, First Nations, forever, free, lifetimes, Mississauga Band, mystery, native, nature, personal, philosophy, spirits, unconditional love, world

“We planted you, we nurtured you, we protected you
until you became a mighty tree that spread through our
hunting grounds. With its branches you now lash us.”
– Mississauga Chief

Steps used by the Rideau Lakes Mississauga
Band of the Ojibwe or Anishinaabe Nation , for
traditional Sun Dance and other ceremonies.

…

I sit on ancient steps of stone
by myself, but not alone.
The presence of ten thousand souls
imbues me with their joys and goals.

The steps lead to a sacred place;
for Mississauga prayers and grace.
They danced to celebrate the sun
before the white man and the gun.

I seek what they sought; love and peace ~
for wars around the world to cease.
To live a life of nature’s plan
in harmony with fellow man.

In harmony with living things
and everything that nature brings.
I sit on ancient steps of stone
with souls to guide me on my own.

 

 

 

Hunter Spirits

Tags

compassion, destiny, dreams, emotion, empathy, empowerment, eternal, forever, lifetimes, mankind, mystery, nature, personal, philosophy, spirits, spiritual, unconditional love

“We planted you, we nurtured you, we protected you
until you became a mighty tree that spread through our
hunting grounds. With its branches you now lash us.”
– Mississauga Chief

This area was used by the Rideau Lakes Mississauga Band
of the Ojibwe or Anishinaabe Nation, as a meeting place.

…

I wander to a sacred shrine,
with open heart and open mind.
I hope to meet with spirits passed.
I can’t imagine what I’ll find.

At sundown, hunter spirits come
together at this hallowed place.
In this open air cathedral
we share a moment filled with grace.

In reverence I sit in awe ~
I see them clearly as my hand.
Like brothers at a festive time,
our common bond, this precious land.

I hear their voices, hear their tales
of hunting parties from the past.
Their faces ashen, lined with age,
they came as smoke, and left as fast.

So real, yet from another world
when buffalo were free to roam.
Was Mississauga hunting ground;
now, it’s my home away from home.

They were a brave and noble Band.
The flora, fauna were their friends.
Our bond with Mother Earth is lost;
let’s try to find it once again.

New Mown Hay (1962)

Tags

dreams, emotion, fantasy, imagination, longing, love, mystery, personal, romance

 

In Memory is the scent of new mown hay
wafted softly over moonlit, prairie fields.
Car radio music eased the tensions.
Fingers, hormones and pounding hearts collided.

CKOM radio’s “Hi-Fi Club” with
“Digger” Dave Palmer spinning the platters
blasted over empty high school stadiums,
riverbank parking lots and secluded fields.

No past or future. There was only present.
Only that one unforgettable moment
forever etched indelibly in Memory.
At the time, it seemed, a moment to die for.

Clumsy fingers fumbled with stubborn buttons.
Heaving breasts longed to be released at last.
Guilt, knowing that parents would be home waiting.
Excuses that begged for plausibility.

Many a romance was started or ended
to a favorite beat, harmony or chorus.
The first three bars still stimulate the passion
and bring the past thundering to the foreground.

Where are those unforgettable moments now?
Where are those raging hormones and pounding hearts?
I look back, over years of maturity
and long for the scent of fresh, damp, new mown hay.

 

 

 

 

First Kiss

Tags

desperation, dreams, fantasy, fear, forever, imagination, longing, love, loving kindness, mystery, nature, personal, romance

my first kiss
so long ago
(not yet in high school)
in the back seatof a ’51 Ford
at a drive-in theatre.
I’ll remember ’till I die
my nervousness,
perspiration,
her perfume
(Tigress by Faberge)
her warmth,
angora sweater set
(pastel yellow —
no buttons
to hinder progress)
sweetness of her kiss.
She knew much more than I
about such things

another world
had opened to me
desire and heartache
go together —
there’s seldom one
without the other
but, would we want it
any other way?
would we want
a safe, yet loveless life
without the up
without the down?
or, take the ecstacy
and risk our hearts
being trampled
to the ground

Love is…

Tags

compassion, destiny, emotion, empathy, forever, love, marriage, personal, romance, unconditional love

a good night kiss
a hug when leaving
another, when returning
aromas of supper cooking in the kitchen
talking about the workday
relaxing with a drink
being home

love is
companionship
opening ones heart
to vulnerability, nakedness
empathy, joy, pain and sadness
reciprocating with trust
understanding
gentleness

love is intimate
walking hand in hand
being together in harmony
exchanging words and phrases
humbly, offering suggestions
graciously, accepting guidance
compromising

love, completes
commits, communicates
compels, complements, comforts, commiserates
consoles, consumes, consummates

love is us together
love is
everything

 

 

 

Voodoo Queen of New Orleans

Tags

biographical, dancing, graveyard, incantation, incense, mojo, spells, spirits, tomb, voodoo, witchcraft

She was long and lovely from ‘way down south,
she had blood on her hands, blood on her mouth.
She’d got voodoo spells and incantations.
She lived on one of those big plantations.
Had she done something bad? Well I don’t know.
She went by the name of Marie Laveau.

She had golden skin and curly black hair,
down near the bayou you could find her there,
with her big old snake wrapped ’round and ’round,
it was party time when the sun went down.
Cauldron would bubble and naked they’d dance,
potions concocted, ’round the fire she’d prance.

She had a mojo hand, a black cat bone,
wouldn’t want her to catch you all alone.
There were stories told of the men she’d charmed;
like her husband Jacques, he wasn’t alarmed,
he just disappeared, he never returned,
just ashes left and the incense she burned.

Stroll though the graveyard down near Bayou Street
upon St. John’s Eve when the spirits meet.
There on her tomb is perched a big black crow
masking the spirit of Marie Laveau.
She leads the rites and the ritual scene,
forever known as the the Voodoo Queen.

…

Marie Laveau lived from 1794 to 1881 on North Rampart Street, New Orleans. When requested, she used the Voodoo religion’s magical powers to control one’s enemies, lovers and acquaintances. 

The type of music I have in mind for this has twanging guitars and a heavy drum beat reminiscent of the Creedence Clearwater Revival song, “Down on the Bayou” or the Colin James song “Voodoo Thing”.

Let Me Sleep Until the Dawn

Tags

dawn, fears, insecurity, personal, philosophy, restlessness, ruminating, sleep, thoughts

 

Now I lie beneath the covers, worldly thoughts I try to smother,
sleep, a pleasure like no other, eyes feel heavy, a yawn comes on.
Pray to the Lord my soul to keep, plump my pillow and snuggle deep,
sigh and settle, welcome sleep. Sandman, show me somnolent scenes,
dream me drowsy, dozeable dreams, grant me glories to gaze upon;
let me sleep until the dawn.

It doesn’t seem too much to ask, nightly nap after daily tasks.
Let me sip from a soothing flask, no further need to labor on;
tomorrow is another day — to fight the fray, to harvest hay,
maybe to while the time away. Never mind the resolutions,
problems having no solutions, the curtains of the day are drawn;
I want to sleep until the dawn.

Now, I begin to feel a twitch, a muscle spasm, now an itch.
I really hate to whine and bitch, but this condition can’t go on.
Turn on the light, read my book, squint, give the clock a second look,
wonder how many pills I took. Covers rumpled, twisted, tangled,
I’m annoyed, nerves are jangled. Maybe, turn the radio on;
I need sleep before the dawn.

Think I’ll go down and watch TV, something relaxing — history,
maybe drama or mystery, don’t want anything that’s too long,
don’t want to think or contemplate, would be nice just to vegetate,
if it’s too slow I’ll ruminate. Jay is always good for a laugh,
just in time for the second half. Shopping channel has got a con;
I can’t believe I’ve got this on.

Hush sleepy papa don’t you cry, sleep will come — by and by.
Sing me a soothing lullaby or sweet and lowdown, bluesy song.
In the wee hours of the morning, thoughts arrive without a warning,
evil thoughts like hornets swarming, spoken by a voice inside,
meant to weaken and deride — I’m not worthy to carry on.
No time for sleep — here comes dawn.

…

I often have a problem with Insomnia. The above represents a fairly typical night for me. The form of this poem is loosely based on Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” which is, I believe a Sapphic variant. The rhyming pattern is: aa/ab/cc/cd/db/b.

 

 

 

 

A Lifetime to Realize

Tags

compassion, destiny, dreams, emotion, empathy, eternal, forever, kindness, lifetimes, love, mystery, personal, romance, spiritual, support, unconditional love

Divine intervention
(or some unfathomable intervention)
is the only way
I can explain our meeting,
our relationship,
our love.

Now,
I can’t imagine
my life without you.
I wait,
with eager anticipation
for your messages, your calls
my welcome home at night

Without these
my life wouldn’t be complete.

Every path I’ve taken,
every good or bad decision
has led me to this heavenly place.
It’s taken a lifetime to realize
that there is nothing
without love.

 

 

 

Timid Eyes

Tags

destiny, emotion, free, imagination, lost love, mystery, personal, romance, sighs, unconditional love

 

 

timid eyes

from the forest

beckon, yet hold back,

wanting to love,

afraid to trust.

 

lithe body,

like a deer,

ready to spring

at the first sign

of danger.

 

delicate features

worthy of infinite contemplation,

question,

ready to color

at the slightest provocation.

i want to coax her

from the forest,

show her

there is nothing to fear;

yet,  I know there is.

 

so, from a distance

i watch

the timid gentle creature.

all I can give her

Is freedom.

 

 
 

Read about my friends here  http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

.

 

Cabin

Tags

animals, birds, compassion, destiny, dreams, emotion, empathy, empowerment, eternal, fantasy, flowers, folk tales, imagination, insects, kindness, lifetimes, love, loving kindness, mystery, nature, personal, philosophy, reptiles, romance, spirits, spiritual, unconditional love, world

I came to write again
at Birch Island, Sand Lake,
lounging in a canvas chair
on the deck of my newly built cabin —
my refuge from insanity.

I came by boat,
coolers stocked with bottled water,
cans of chili, bread and peanut butter,
Greek yogurt, propane for the stove
and books of poetry.

I’m equipped
with new pen in hand, blank journal
I look out over the lake, through the forest
to be inspired by spirits from the past
and woodland nymphs.

I may not write
a meaningful phrase or thought.
I may just sit and watch the trees,
birds, animals, reptiles
and insects.

 

 

Memories

Tags

compassion, dreams, emotion, fantasy, forever, loneliness, lost love, mystery, personal, romance

Christine Falls, Mount Rainier National Park (Photo credit: kern.justin)

.

memories
are dark, disjointed
as a dream
a thread of thought
weaves through them all
as does the scent
of prairie rose

faces, places
things we’ve done
each morphed into another
where is truth
or, was it ever here?
perhaps the longing
made it so

woodland walks
and moonlit talks
that made my heart beat so
words that echo
in my mind
pictures in the fog
of no return

.

Coffee

Tags

dreams, fantasy, loneliness, lost love, love, lust, romance

I sit on a stool
at Woolworth’s lunch counter
staring into the swirls of my steaming coffee
served in a Buffalo China cup and saucer
edged with double green stripes
(I had no interest
in my coffee)

Sitting
two stools down
is a young woman
with dark hair and doe eyes.
Her presence — electric.
She parts her ripe cherry lips
as she looks up from her book
and glances at the clock.

(Same as yesterday.)

Five minutes left
before she leaves
for work.

She stretches
in her tight
white sweater
as she slides her arms
into the satin lined sleeves
of her coat
previously draped
over the stool back.

She gazes
in my general direction
with no sign of encouragement.
I should be more assertive —
My coffee is cold —
Maybe tomorrow…

 

 

Memory In Blue

Tags

bird, mystery, nature, personal, spiritual, warbler

A flicker
of cerulean
swoops beneath the boughs
of towering pines
against the sky.

Wings, a silent whisper.
Dream, not quite come true.
Shadow, on my mind.
Memory
in blue.

 

 

 

Angel

Tags

compassion, emotion, empathy, eternal, forever, lifetimes, love, loving kindness, unconditional love

.

I didn’t believe in angels
until I saw one.
Now, I know they exist.
I don’t expect to be believed —
it doesn’t matter.

There was shimmering,
a halo of light,
her beatific smile
and overwhelming love.
I was in awe.
I am still in awe.

She spoke magic,
like the trilling of a bird,
not immediately decipherable
to mortal ears.
Over time,
her wisdom apparent.

I look everywhere
for my angel.
Feel her presence
everywhere.
She has filled me
with unconditional love.

.

At Dusk

Tags

birds, destiny, dreams, eternal, forever, lifetimes, love, personal, romance

at dusk I walk
as night birds sing.
sky, the color of my soul.
stars begin to flicker,
petals start to fold.

in quiet times
between the notes,
the void between the stars,
is where I wait
(I’ll always wait)
for what is surely ours.

your presence
falls as softly
as whispering a prayer.
sure as dark
will soon descend
we’ll be together there —

a moment of forever
a lifetime
ours to share.

 

 

 

Spirit Found

Tags

compassion, destiny, emotion, empowerment, love, loving kindness, mourned, mystery, nature, personal, philosophy, scorned, spiritual, support, unconditional love, world

I wandered back into my mind,
to wooded paths, I hoped to find
the spirit that I found so fair —
eyes of onyx, raven hair.

Behind an oak I’d seen her spy.
She ran away, I thought her shy.
A giggle, then she left my view —
I followed her, what could I do?

Down unfamiliar trails I ran
and found myself where I began.
I sat upon a rock and mourned —
thought perhaps that I’d been scorned.

I sensed a presence sitting there —
eyes of onyx, raven hair.
She smiled the warmest brightest smile
then took my hand. We sat a while.

My heart was lifted to the sky;
my troubles, they began to fly
as she told me what I needed
was within me to be heeded.

My heart was closed from fear and pain
she urged me open it again.
Give of love and help the needy,
there is no grace for the greedy.

When I’m confused and feeling lost
I think of wooded trails I’ve crossed,
the spirit that I found so fair —
eyes of onyx raven hair.

 

 

 

 

Nature Man

Tags

compassion, despair, desperation, destiny, emotion, empathy, empowerment, homeless, kindness, loneliness, love, loving kindness, mankind, mystery, personal, philosophy, spirit, spiritual, support, unconditional love

.

There was a man,
a very sad and mournful man.
He cried in pain,
cried in grief,
screamed beyond the night.

There was a voice,
a sympathetic angel’s voice.
She spoke to him
spoke of love
to melt his frozen heart.

She showed him love,
a world of love beyond his own.
He could give love,
could give help
to those who have no home.

There’s now a man,
a grateful and contented man,
who shares his food
shares his time
for love, its own reward.

.

I’ve Always Wondered…

Tags

death, despair, desperation, emotion, fear, forever, grandfather, gun, lifetimes, loss, love, mystery, revolver, suicide

I’ve always wondered
what my 62 year old grandfather
was thinking
that Friday
at 1:30 in the afternoon,
when he decided to leave his office
in the court house,
where he was County Court Clerk,
to drive out of town,
park on a by-road,
walk to a nearby bush,
pull out his revolver
and shoot himself
through the head.

I’ve always wondered……why?

Perhaps,
one day
he’ll tell me.

 

 

 

Chickadee

Tags

birds, chickadee, compassion, emotion, empathy, empowerment, loving kindness, meditation, mystery, nature, personal, philosophy, unconditional love, universe, world

It was a crisp, sunny
October afternoon
in the arboretum.
I was meditating.
My mittened hands
rested,
upturned on my thighs.

A chickadee hovered
in front of me.
Seeing a convenient perch,
it landed in my open palm,
then hopped upon my thumb.
She looked me up and down,
side to side.
Having seen
all there was to see,
she flew away.

She brought such joy,
this tiny feathered thing.
I valued her presence
as a gift of trust,
a gift of love,
a sign from nature
and the universe
that all was well.

 

 

 

We Listen

Tags

bird, branches, buds, compassion, creeks, empathy, healers, keepers of histories, leaves, mystery, nature, open heart, open mind, rocks, singing, trees

we listen as all nature speaks —
the ripples laughing in the creeks
a rumble from the rocks is heard,
the mournful singing of a bird.

our brothers, sisters, towering trees,
healers, keepers of histories;
leaves to fall, buds grow again,
gray branches sing their sad refrain.

we listen…

Gypsy Woman

Tags

destiny, dreams, gypsy, imagination, leathers, love, motorcycle, mystery, open road, restless, romance

.

Rode into town about a week ago,
Won't be long before I've got to go.
Thoughts of staying playing in my mind;
But, Gypsy Lady I'm the restless kind.

Gypsy Woman ride along with me.
The open road ahead won’t let me be.
The engine’s serenade will set us free.
Gypsy Woman hear the symphony.

I feel your body pressing close to me;
We’re riding fast, we’re feeling wild and free.
Gypsy wind is blowing through our hair.
When I’m with you my life’s without a care.

Gypsy leathers never looked so fine.
I think about you Lady all the time.
Don’t want to beg, don’t want to lose my pride.
You haunt my dreams, I need you by my side.

Gypsy Lady let me hold you tight.
Don’t leave me cold and lonely through the night.
Your flashing eyes see inside my heart.
Gypsy Woman say we’ll never part.

Gypsy Lady ride along with me.
The open road ahead won’t let me be.
The engine’s serenade will set us free.
Gypsy Woman hear the symphony.

.

Wild Rose

Tags

full lips, lightning, lost love, love, mystery, nature, prairie breeze, romance, rose, summer storm, sunshine, thunder

Her sweet breath fell warm and soft
like a gentle prairie breeze
wafting the scent of wild rose,
delicate, but mostly wild.

Her mane, red and dangerous,
sometimes concealed then revealed
chameleon-like features,
an emotional rainbow.

Her full lips would pout or smile
like a sudden summer storm —
thunder, lightning then sunshine,
frighteningly beautiful.

Temperament like a mustang,
skittish, demanding patience,
or she would bolt for the wild.
Gentleness would subdue her.

For a while she could be held,
raging passion directed,
hunger could be satisfied
briefly, then she would be gone.

I would not hope to contain
or to harness the wildness.
For me she will always be
my sweet, delicate, wild rose.

Strangers (Once Again)

Tags

emotion, frozen food, imagination, lost love, love, lovesick, memories, nostalgia, romance, sighs

I saw you
gazing at the frozen food.
I was reaching for a carton of eggs.
I thought you saw me.

I thought
perhaps, you’d turn
and smile
(I loved your smile).

I considered saying something
but, what could I say
that I hadn’t said
a thousand times before.

I remember
the first time I saw you
emerging naked from the sea,
water streaming from your hair —
Venus rising.

I was transfixed.
I am still transfixed.
Our carts pass in the aisle
moving on to other places —
strangers
(once again).

 

 

Desperation Drive

Tags

bars, cowboy, despair, desperation, destiny, down and out, emotion, hard luck, loneliness, lonely heart, lost love, love, low down dive, midnight train, romance, waterfront

I’m just kicking stones, chasing loneliness — nothing much to do.
In a dusty hat and my cowboy boots — soles are worn clear through.
I’m leaving heartache, going nowhere fast, more dead than alive.
At daybreak, feet are pointing to, Desperation Drive.

When you’re down and out, in a hard luck place, no stars shine at night;
I’ve been looking down, such a long, long time, just can’t see the light.
Haven’t got a cent, haven’t got a friend, no will to survive;
That’s the reason why, I’m heading for, Desperation Drive.

There was a woman — said she loved me, caught the midnight train;
She took my money, left my broken heart, in the pouring rain.
Got to leave this town, got to hitch a ride, out on highway five;
If they ask me where, I’m going I’ll say to, Desperation Drive.

I miss that woman, she’s still in mind, the breeze whispers her name;
She’s mean and evil, but my lonely heart, wants her just the same.
On the waterfront I check the bars and every lowdown dive;
If she’s not there, I’ll find a place on, Desperation Drive.

 

 

 

The Light

Tags

afterlife, Budhhism, death, eternity, forever, joy, near death experience, religion, soul, spirit, spiritual, transcendence, unconditional love

I look toward the light;
not of summer
or the dawn.

I walk toward the light;
not of evenings
or of noon.

I fly toward the light,
light everlasting
comes from me.

I’m united with the light
as one eternal,
as one free.

Fairies

Tags

destiny, eternal, fantasy, folk tales, forever, imagination, lifetimes, love, mystery, nature, occult, romance, spirits

If you wander into the woods
be sure to peek behind the trees.
Fairies may be in hiding there;
they’ll vanish quick as you please.

The fairies are a friendly folk,
at least, they may appear that way.
They’ll lure you with their fairy wiles;
siren like, they’ll lead you astray.

Timid, beautiful woodland nymphs
swathed in soft diaphanous gowns.
In subtle shades of nature’s hues
bright leafy greens and somber browns.

Whispers in the rustle of leaves
will lead you to their secret glade.
They’ll gently soothe away your cares.
Why would you need to be afraid?

Fairy maids will wine and dine you.
They’ll whisper that they love you so.
You’ll think that you’re in paradise.
They’ll never, ever let you go.

Weeks and months will pass unnoticed.
What seems a day may be a year.
The world outside continues on,
while you remain in limbo here.

Fairy mists will envelop you
so you can never see your way.
Memories are, but long lost dreams.
From fairy land you cannot stray.

Heaven’s Daughter

Tags

betrayed, death, despair, destiny, dismayed, emotion, lost love, lover, magnolia, melancholia, nature, romance, sleeping, weeping, whipoorwills, Willow

Sitting near the water weeping,
lonely maiden in deep despair.
Whippoorwills are snugly sleeping.
Willow weeping, yet unaware.

Flowing gown of melancholia,
gentle goddess softly sobbing.
Moonlight mist and sweet magnolia,
tears like diamonds dripping, dropping.

In love’s embrace, friend and lover,
their cheating and their lies unveiled.
Double blow, she can’t recover;
her hopes and dreams at once curtailed.

Betrayed, dismayed, spirit shattered,
all is lost by cruel deception.
Without the one true love that mattered
death arose in her reflection.

Slowly walks into the water,
footprints soft upon the seashore.
Ripples radiate heaven’s daughter,
sorrow departs forever more.

Sitting near the water weeping,
her lover mourns in deep despair.
His true love forever sleeping;
his only thought to join her there.

 

Whisper and Moan

Tags

alone, blues, dark, death, desolation, desperation, evil, guitar, haunted, hobo, loneliness, tortured, whiskey

Troubled blues with feeling
may ease my tortured mind;
free me from the clutches
of those I left behind.

These dirty hobo rags
hang on a wasted frame,
haunted by the memory
and rhythm of your name.

Walking through this alley
shrouded, dark with death.
Evil deeds will haunt me,
until my final breath.

Craving me some whisky,
a friendly word and smile.
You can spend my money,
just stay a little while.

Whisky clouds my thinking.
Your face is just a blur……
Few more drinks together
I may think you are her.

Guitar strings, whining steel,
a whisper and a moan.
Use me and abuse me;
don’t leave me here alone.

 

 

.

Destiny

Tags

angel wings, destiny, eagle feathers, lifetimes, love, romance

 What path,
what dusty trail,
my destiny decided
(lifetimes ago)
of people met,
places traveled,
people yet to meet,
places yet to go.

Touch (untouch)
in dreams create
eagle feathers,
angel wings,
radiant light in darkest night,
from depths of sorrow
to love ignite.

Archer, warrior,
songster, chief,
(signals smoke
across the sky).
The raven spoke,
to her I listened —
together, forever
we will fly.