• About
  • self-discovery

Dennis Cardiff

~ Poems & Prose

Dennis Cardiff

Tag Archives: empathy

My Muse

19 Tuesday May 2020

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

compassion, emotion, empathy, empowerment, eternal, forever, kindness, longing, mystery, spirits, spiritual

muse2
“Untamed Muse” by Tom Kidd: A great depiction of my vision of a poet.

 

 

Sometimes, my words won’t come,
no matter what I try to write.
I softly call upon my muse,
entreat her
to visit me this night.

I feel her warmth within the room,
I’m instantly at ease.
I sense her reading my scribbles,
she knows my thoughts
and hears my longing pleas.

I feel her delicate fingers
upon my clumsy hand;
her words and phrases flood my mind,
things I’ve never seen before
from some far distant land.

I don’t know where she comes from,
(perhaps, from up above)
where ever it is
that she calls home,
she comes to me with love.

 

 

~~~

Sample my books for free — To date, $1945.00 has been donated to the homeless:

Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1SGzGCY ($2.99 Download)
http://buff.ly/1qLHptc ($.299 Download)
https://buff.ly/2lUfp6Q ($.99 Download)
https://buff.ly/2Gkoyxj ($2.99 Download)

They Call Me Red:
https://buff.ly/2GJSDsG ($.99 Download)

Podcasts:
http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iYvOE4
http://buff.ly/2jdjZd6

 

 

 

 

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Chickadee

02 Thursday Apr 2020

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

birds, Buddhism, compassion, empathy, empowerment, kindness, loving kindness, nature, personal, spiritual, unconditional love

chickadee2
 

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.
  

 
Image: http://ow.ly/TL7MW

~~~

Sample my books for free — To date, $1945.00 has been donated to the homeless:

Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1SGzGCY ($2.99 Download)
http://buff.ly/1qLHptc ($.299 Download)
https://buff.ly/2lUfp6Q ($.99 Download)
https://buff.ly/2Gkoyxj ($2.99 Download)

They Call Me Red:
https://buff.ly/2GJSDsG ($.99 Download)

Podcasts:
http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iYvOE4
http://buff.ly/2jdjZd6

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

There Are No Horses Anymore

24 Monday Feb 2020

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

animals, compassion, despair, desperation, destiny, dreams, emotion, empathy, eternal, fantasy, fear, forever, free, imagination, lifetimes, longing, loving kindness, mystery, personal, philosophy, spiritual, unconditional love, universe

 

 

 

It’s like you’ve been reading Dostoevsky
and your mind is heavy,
so you go for a walk.
You haven’t eaten,
but instead of soup,
you order two glasses of beer.
You know how Rodion felt,
because you’re him.
You walk into the street
and a dark horse is being beaten,
but, that can’t be,
because there are no horses anymore —

that was only a dream;
only in the book.
You think you’re going mad,
but, it’s alright,
you don’t have to worry.
Someone has just closed the cover —
you’re tucked away, safe inside.
Everything is alright.

~~~

Sample my books for free — To date, $1945.00 has been donated to the homeless:

Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1SGzGCY ($2.99 Download)
http://buff.ly/1qLHptc ($.299 Download)
https://buff.ly/2lUfp6Q ($.99 Download)
https://buff.ly/2Gkoyxj ($2.99 Download)

They Call Me Red:
https://buff.ly/2GJSDsG ($.99 Download)

Podcasts:
http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iYvOE4
http://buff.ly/2jdjZd6

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Careful With That Axe, Eugene

13 Thursday Feb 2020

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, despair, desperation, emotion, empathy, loving kindness, mental health, music, mystery

barrettyoung.jpg
 

Eugene had a mind of his own,
not, as some would say, a sound mind,
but his own mind, nevertheless.

“It’s awfully considerate of you
to think of me here.
And I’m most obliged to you
for making it clear
that I’m not here.”

Eugene was a great musician,
taking music to the limit;
his songs will always survive.
Eugene took drugs to the limit;
he’s now in Interstellar Overdrive.

When we observed him with an axe,
you may understand our concern.
Was he in danger, or were we?

Eugene had already left us in spirit,
but he wandered away that day
and was lost to us forever.

~~~

 

barrettold

This poem is dedicated to the memory of “Syd Barrett (born Roger Keith Barrett; 6 January 1946 – 7 July 2006) who was an English singer, songwriter, guitarist and artist. He is most remembered as a founding member of  band Pink Floyd, providing major musical and stylistic direction in their early work, although he left the group in 1968 amidst speculations of mental illness exacerbated by heavy drug use.”

Axe is also British slang for guitar. Pink Floyd’s use of the title Careful With That Axe, Eugene may refer to “Barrett’s behavior (which) became increasingly unpredictable, partly as a consequence of frequent experimentation with psychedelic drugs such as LSD. Many report having seen him on stage with the group, strumming on one chord through the entire concert, or not playing at all. At a show at The Fillmore West in San Francisco, during a performance of “Interstellar Overdrive”, Barrett slowly detuned his guitar. The audience seemed to enjoy such antics, unaware of the rest of the band’s consternation.” (Source: Wikipedia)

~~~

Sample my books for free — To date, $1945.00 has been donated to the homeless:

Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1SGzGCY ($2.99 Download)
http://buff.ly/1qLHptc ($.299 Download)
https://buff.ly/2lUfp6Q ($.99 Download)
https://buff.ly/2Gkoyxj ($2.99 Download)

They Call Me Red:
https://buff.ly/2GJSDsG ($.99 Download)

Podcasts:
http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iYvOE4
http://buff.ly/2jdjZd6

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Woodland Spirit

02 Wednesday Oct 2019

Posted by DennisCardiff in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

compassion, destiny, empathy, empowerment, eternal, forever, kindness, lifetimes, mystery, spiritual, unconditional love

 

angel

 

Along a woodland path, I strolled
of nature’s beauty I extolled:
The dappled trail, a great horned owl,
infrequently, a gray wolf’s howl.

The gentle, scented lake-side breeze
had me completely at my ease.
The midnight hour had come and gone.
Toward a clearing, I was drawn.

Why I went, I’ll never know.
It was my destiny to go.
The Harvest Moon with mystic light
revealed an otherworldly sight.

A shimmering appeared, it seemed,
or, perhaps, I’d only dreamed.
I knelt in supplication to
a spirit who appeared in view.

In beauty, purity and grace,
with love-light shining from her face,
a halo, waves of raven hair.
I was in awe to see her there.

I kissed her hand and softly prayed.
The orchestra of nature played.
The scent of cedar on her skin
enveloped me with warmth within.

The blessing of her touch sublime,
in harmony, our souls entwined.
A world apart, together now —
no question as to where or how.

Conversation through the night.
Her wisdom helped me see the light.
In times of need, like little birds,
they come to me, her precious words.

To me, her message was of love
for man, for nature, God above.
To let me love beyond my fear.
To live in balance through the year.

Awakened at the break of dawn
I found the spirit to be gone.
Perhaps a dream — and then I found
a ring of stones placed on the ground.

I sometimes feel her doeskin dress
against my arm — a sweet caress.
Poetic gifts of love and grace,
soothe my heart, my soul embrace.

 
Notes: The stones represent: Learning, Respect, Acceptance, Spiritual Sight, Listening, Speaking, Love, Service, Relationship, Creativity, Dynamic Spirituality and Gratitude.

…

Sample my books for free — To date, $1945.00 has been donated to the homeless:

Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1SGzGCY ($2.99 Download)
http://buff.ly/1qLHptc ($.299 Download)
https://buff.ly/2lUfp6Q ($.99 Download)
https://buff.ly/2Gkoyxj ($2.99 Download)
They Call Me Red:
https://buff.ly/2GJSDsG ($2.96 Download)
Podcasts:http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iYvOE4
http://buff.ly/2jdjZd6

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

whisper and moan

10 Monday Sep 2018

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

alcoholism, compassion, death, despair, desperation, emotion, empathy, eternal, loneliness, longing, lost love

Drunk Wine

 

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.

booze, it 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.

…

Sample my books for free — To date $1945.00 has been donated to the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1SGzGCY ($.98 Download)
http://buff.ly/1qLHptc ($2.99 Download)
https://buff.ly/2lUfp6Q ($2.99 Download)
https://buff.ly/2Gkoyxj ($2.99 Download)
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iYvOE4
http://buff.ly/2jdjZd6

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Hunter Spirits

05 Thursday Apr 2018

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

compassion, destiny, empathy, empowerment, forever, lifetimes, loving kindness, mystery, nature, spirits, spiritual

“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

IMG_4656

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.

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
http://buff.ly/2rmNL5G
https://buff.ly/2FwfHsb FREE Download
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iW6GxS

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Playful Spirit

03 Tuesday Apr 2018

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

compassion, destiny, empathy, empowerment, eternal, forever, kindness, lifetimes, mystery, spiritual, unconditional love

spirit

 

Playful spirit behind an oak
laughed and flirted but never spoke.
Eyes of onyx, raven hair,
I marveled at her standing there.

Brilliant sunshine — could barely see.
Had my eyes played tricks on me?
I stood in reverence and awe
not sure of what I thought I saw.

Fluttering soft, the poplar leaves
perhaps, had caused me to believe
I’d seen someone who wasn’t there —
eyes of onyx, raven hair.

The nimble spirit deftly danced
from tree to tree and lightly pranced.
I didn’t know quite what to do
about this vision in my view.

I had no knowledge of such things.
What does one do when nature brings
such beauty, grace and winsome mold
who, I could see but could not hold?

I could have watched her all day long
her movements sang just like a song.
She beckoned me with backward glance
down flowered pathway of romance.

I had no choice, I was entranced;
induced to follow where she danced.
The woods had changed, were foreign now,
colors brighter, surreal somehow.

I saw some spirits on the way.
They went about their normal day.
They took no notice of my form
contrary to their spirit norm.

They were at home among the trees;
conversely, I felt ill at ease.
Abandoned, then just like a snare —
eyes of onyx, raven hair.

She drew me close and hugged me tight;
we kissed, caressed throughout the night.
Not a wisp of evanescence,
but a real woman’s presence.

Wood smoke, sweet-grass, musk and cedar —
I took her hand, she let me lead her.
Beneath the boughs we made our bed
while stars shone brightly overhead.

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
http://buff.ly/2rmNL5G
https://buff.ly/2FwfHsb FREE Download
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iW6GxS

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Woodland Spirit

02 Monday Apr 2018

Posted by DennisCardiff in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

compassion, destiny, empathy, empowerment, eternal, forever, kindness, lifetimes, mystery, spiritual, unconditional love

.

angel

.

Along a woodland path, I strolled
of nature’s beauty I extolled:
The dappled trail, a great horned owl,
infrequently, a gray wolf’s howl.

The gentle, scented lake-side breeze
had me completely at my ease.
The midnight hour had come and gone.
Toward a clearing, I was drawn.

Why I went, I’ll never know.
It was my destiny to go.
The Harvest Moon with mystic light
revealed an otherworldly sight.

A shimmering appeared, it seemed,
or, perhaps, I’d only dreamed.
I knelt in supplication to
a spirit who appeared in view.

In beauty, purity and grace,
with love-light shining from her face,
a halo, waves of raven hair.
I was in awe to see her there.

I kissed her hand and softly prayed.
The orchestra of nature played.
The scent of cedar on her skin
enveloped me with warmth within.

The blessing of her touch sublime,
in harmony our souls entwined.
A world apart, together now —
no question as to where or how.

Conversation through the night.
Her wisdom helped me see the light.
In times of need, like little birds,
they come to me, her precious words.

To me, her message was of love
for man, for nature, God above.
To let me love beyond my fear.
To live in balance through the year.

Awakened at the break of dawn
I found the spirit to be gone.
Perhaps a dream — and then I found
a ring of stones placed on the ground.

I sometimes feel her doeskin dress
against my arm — a sweet caress.
Poetic gifts of love and grace,
soothe my heart, my soul embrace.

.

Notes: The stones represent: Learning, Respect, Acceptance, Spiritual Sight, Listening, Speaking, Love, Service, Relationship, Creativity, Dynamic Spirituality and Gratitude.

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
http://buff.ly/2rmNL5G
https://buff.ly/2FwfHsb FREE Download
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iW6GxS

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Mourning Dove

17 Saturday Mar 2018

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

compassion, death, despair, desperation, destiny, empathy, longing, love, nature, personal, romance

c9b9345e1856d0ff2baad630a33bab10

The silence of
the mourning dove,
more mournful
than her song.

She’s lost her mate,
her will to live,
yet time
still passes on.

Of days gone by,
she dreams her dreams,
when last she
heard him sing.

In widow’s weeds,
by empty nest,
a lonely dove
has lost her song.

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
http://buff.ly/2rmNL5G
https://buff.ly/2FwfHsb
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iW6GxS

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Borderlands

31 Wednesday Jan 2018

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Buddhism, destiny, dreams, emotion, empathy, fantasy, mystery, personal, philosophy, romance, sighs

2e5eddccdbb0b5510a1ae1c1e48e6a81

I live in the borderlands,
between reality and imagination,
just this side of fantasy.

Reality is okay.
I visit there
to check my mail,
earn a few dollars,
pay some bills,
buy groceries.

Reality is an okay place to visit
but, I wouldn’t want to live there.

I’m happiest in my mind
where I filter my thoughts
like an answering machine.
I delete the negative,
dwell on the positive.

People may see me walking alone.
They don’t see the beautiful woman,
with her hand in mine, beside me.

I may be seen sitting at a table, alone.
Nobody sees the delicate hand,
with the magic fingers,
sliding up my thigh.

Or, the passionate kiss
being planted on my throat,
the fingers running through my hair.

Where I work
people see me smile.
They think I enjoy my job.
They don’t know me.

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
http://buff.ly/2rmNL5G
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iW6GxS

Image: http://ow.ly/RIPNs

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Slave

18 Wednesday Oct 2017

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

abduction, children, compassion, cruelty, empathy, human trafficking, inhumane, kidnapping, slave, torture, violence, worldwide

cold
dark, dank
stone walls
prison bars
footsteps
dread
blinding light
fierce pain
numb

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
http://buff.ly/2st8Mxr
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iW6GxS

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

The Ghost

07 Saturday Oct 2017

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

alcoholism, Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, empathy, homeless, mental health, personal, poverty, psychology, unconditional love

Little Jake approached me.
He knew that he knew me
but couldn’t remember my name.
I gave him a hug —
we’ve known each other
for seven years.

Jake, I said, “How are you?”
“Not good. I feel like
I’m walking in a fog.
I don’t know where I’m going…
Keep your money.
I don’t need anything.”

He drifted away
I was looking at a corpse.
He was still breathing,
but what I saw
was the ghost
of Little Jake.

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
http://buff.ly/2st8Mxr
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iW6GxS

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

our nest

11 Saturday Feb 2017

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

destiny, emotion, empathy, fantasy, forever, free, kindness, longing, love, nature, romance

iStock_000015512688Small

 

high in the treetops
our nest near the sky.
we snuggle and watch
the stars shooting by;
stars that we wish on,
stars that we name,
stars with no purpose,
we love just the same.

twigs interwoven
with love and with care,
feathers and ribbons
from a dress that you wear.
pieces of memories,
dreams stuffed between,
baubles and buttons,
things that we’ve seen:

a bracelet, a necklace
an earring or two.
things that we’ve thought of,
things that we’ll do.
a nest comfy, cozy
a fit just for two.
my heart’s yours forever
I love you, I do.

 
 
 

…

Image: http://ow.ly/S9GtZ

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
http://buff.ly/2iW6GxS

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Brothers and Sisters

02 Sunday Oct 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

assistance, Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, cooperation, diversity, empathy, empowerment, inclusion, unconditional love, world

 
hands

 

I have brothers and sisters
on the streets, around the world.
Most I haven’t met, but
give me a lifetime.

We’re all anticipating
getting together in love
sharing what we have,
sharing a hug.

People preaching hate.
What’s that about?
Preaching walls and wars,
preaching greed.

We’re all different
like my left hand
is from from my right, but
we work together.

Let’s get all the hands
joined in a circle
surrounding the globe.
Let’s share the LOVE.

 

…

 

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
Image: http://buff.ly/2cLMudL

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Eyes of Love

10 Saturday Sep 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry, Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

compassion, empathy, fantasy, freedom, longing, loving kindness, mystery, peace, personal, romance, unconditional love

 
quote-beauty-is-simply-reality-seen-with-the-eyes-of-love-rabindranath-tagore-49-50-32
 

I know
I should be master
of my mind.
Too often
I become it’s slave,
allowing it to
take me places
I don’t want to go.

Some of these places
are recalled memories:
unhappy childhood,
failed relationships,
other unpleasant
incidents.

Other places
most pleasant
are imaginary,
perhaps,
a playful meeting
with dryads and sprites,
or an unexpected, late night visit
by a beautiful woman.

I know
that memories
are inaccuracies:
daydreams influenced
by pleasant wishful thinking
or, by the despair
of failure.

In any event,
the only reality
is what I see before me.
By seeing through
the eyes of Love
I can’t be led
astray.

 

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
Image: http://buff.ly/2bVwYzP

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Dream

22 Monday Aug 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

compassion, destiny, dreams, emotion, empathy, empowerment, eternal, forever, kindness, longing, nature

 

3274a26e747a376887fc34c27a158071

I awake
to find myself
crouching on a beach
I have never before seen.
Water laps at my toes.
My fingers pick at empty shells,
all kinds and colors.
Thoughts are empty
as the shells.
The horizon is infinite
with barely distinction
between sky and water.
I feel suspended
between the two —
lost.

Appearing
close beside me
is a moving shadow.
I see the silhouette
of a woman.
Blazing sunrise blinds me
to anything else.
Beside me she squats,
silently picks
at shells.
We do not speak.
She takes my hand
and leads me to
our dream.

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
Image: http://buff.ly/2aBSxlu

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Dryad

04 Thursday Aug 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

compassion, destiny, dreams, dryad, emotion, empathy, fairy, longing, love, nature, romance

 

dryad6

A young deer
wandered into view.
I drifted off
in gentle slumber.

I felt a pair
of tender hands
coverer my eyes.
I heard a giggle.

I hesitantly
touched her hand.
She revealed herself,
and met my gaze.

This apparition,
with angelic face,
bent and placed
her lips on mine.

I was transformed
and with the dryad
flew to the most
magical place.

 

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
Image: http://buff.ly/2aBSxlu

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Fairy Sprite

06 Wednesday Jul 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

destiny, dreams, emotion, empathy, empowerment, eternal, fantasy, forever, love, mystery, romance

Autumn-Fairy-Cosplay-05

amongst the cedars
maples and sumac
I wandered the woodland
trails

I soon grew weary
and sat on a log
and slept the sleep of
the dead

I awoke and spied
a flicker of red
unlike what I’d ever
seen

like a butterfly
she fluttered and flew
enticing with beauty
and charm

entranced I followed
this mystic creature
deep in the forest
she led

it seemed like a game
she’d hide and I’d seek
I’d lose then find her
again

lost in the forest
she appeared nearby
watching and tilting
her head

She said, “I imagine
the beautiful wild life,
a watery paradise for runaaways
in search of the beauty of nature
and adventure and the taboo.

“I want to sip the wonder of life
open the portal of paradise
and take one another where
we have not been before.”

 

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

dropped from the sky

23 Thursday Jun 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

birds, compassion, emotion, empathy, empowerment, eternal, love, personal, romance, sadness

 

bird2

 

I enter the room,
see your form
cloaked in overwhelming sadness.
you stand on the balcony,
shoulders slumped,
looking out to sea.

a north breeze
ruffles your tresses.
a cool mist dampens your spirit,
causes you to shiver.
ominous clouds
roll towards shore.

as sunshine
I clothe you with comfort,
warm flannel like the shirt
I wrapped you in
one chilly night
upon the beach.

I cradle you
in loving arms
as my hands would nestle
an injured bird
vulnerable, defenceless
dropped
from the sky.

 

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
Image: http://buff.ly/28QtZFA

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Serve with Love

14 Tuesday Jun 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, destiny, emotion, empathy, love, loving kindness, philosophy, psychology, unconditional love

To family and friends in Orlando
 

imgres-1

 

If we serve with Love

our decisions become easier.

Instead of asking, What would I like?

Ask, What can I do to help?

 

This isn’t my idea,

but, over the past few years

I’ve been applying it

in my daily life.

The result —

I’ve found my purpose.

 

…

Sample  my books for free — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home: Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
Podcasts: http://buff.ly/1Pxlf9p
http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
http://buff.ly/1XU368M
Image: http://buff.ly/1Pg96QC

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

whisper

30 Monday May 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

emotion, empathy, forever, free, love, mystery, nature, personal, romance, sighs, spiritual

 

duskc

 

our paddles  dip

silently into the black.

evening mist hovers

over the lake

as we glide near the shore.

otters playfully cruise nearby,

raccoons timidly drink,

deer watch

.

later

a camp fire

to ward off the chill

of the northern breeze.

time to cuddle close,

whisper secrets

even though

we’re alone

 

…

Buy my books — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

happy place

20 Friday May 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

birds, Buddhism, compassion, destiny, dreams, empathy, empowerment, forever, love, nature, nightingale, personal

 

bird

 

on a log i sit

in my happy place

 inhale the fragrance…

wood smoke and cedar.

 

attend the aria

of the nightingale —

her longing,

each twitter and trill,

writes to my heart.

 

a bird on a branch

me on a log

forever

 

…

Buy my books — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX

Image:  http://buff.ly/1U3z265

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

We’re All the Same

02 Monday May 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

ancient history, compassion, DNA, empathy, genetics, humanity, loving kindness, unconditional love, world

 
evolution

 

I’m not an expert geneticist.
I’m not an expert in anything,
but, I read a lot.
I watch documentaries on television.
I have my own ideas.

This is what I’ve come to believe:
Around 500 B.C, Hanno the Navigator,
a Carthaginian explorer,
with sixty fifty-oared ships
visited the Galápagos Islands.
Hanno and his crew discovered gorillas
and gorillas discovered them.
Although the sailors could not make peaceful contact
with these creatures,
they considered them to be
related to humans.

Geneticists now believe
that archaic Homo Sapiens evolved
to anatomically modern humans
solely in Africa
between 200,000 and 60,000 years ago.
We all share a common DNA.
We are all one family.

Families have differences
They argue a lot.
Some of them move away and refuse to talk
to other siblings.
That’s natural,
it happens all the time.

We are all the same.
We seek happiness
and an end to
suffering.

 

…

Buy my books — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX

Image:  http://buff.ly/26mxZ7Y

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Cocoon

24 Sunday Apr 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, destiny, empathy, empowerment, free, kindness, love, mystery, nature

 

IMG_4797

 

Over the past years
we’ve sat together
sharing a blanket
on the sidewalk.
You wrapped
in your cocoon.

I’ve observed,
as your spirit
(once battered
and cowering in fear)
emerged brave
and purposeful.

Gradually,
layer after layer,
your past fell away,
until now
your true beauty
shines forth.

I’ve grown with you,
learned from you,
opened my heart,
cried with you,
been comforted.

I celebrate with you
your transformation,
and (in friendship)
proudly accompany you
in your reincarnation
as a butterfly.

 

images-1

 

…

Buy my books — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX

Image:  http://buff.ly/26mxZ7Y

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Bridge

16 Saturday Apr 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, destiny, dreams, empathy, eternal, love, mystery, spiritual, trust

 

bridge_in_the_sky-368430

 

through mist
I walk across a bridge
to a place
neither here
nor there —
somewhere
in between

from out the fog
a woman’s hand
takes mine
and guides me
to someplace
where yesterday
and tomorrow
are dressed the same

I go from where I am
to where you are
never leaving home
where what is
and what is not
are together —
wearing
the same name

 

…

Image: http://buff.ly/1SSBjxI
Buy my books — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS
http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Angel

04 Monday Apr 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

compassion, destiny, dreams, emotion, empathy, eternal, falling, love, romance, sighs, spiritual

 

angel

 

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.

 

…

Buy my book for $0.99 — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

tears

29 Tuesday Mar 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

alcoholism, Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, death, emotion, empathy, loving kindness, mystery, personal, spiritual

 

woman-crying

 

i feel your tears,
my eyes burn.
a cloak of heaviness
descends upon my heart.

i have no words
to console you.
nothing I can write
will remove your sorrow.

I’ve experienced
the pain of loss,
and known the joyousness
that thoughts of love can bring.

i sit with you
in soft silence.
i hear anger in your despair.
i pray for your healing.

 
 

…

Buy my book for $0.99 — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Careful With That Axe, Eugene

17 Thursday Mar 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, despair, desperation, emotion, empathy, loving kindness, mental health, music, mystery

barrettyoung.jpg

 

Eugene had a mind of his own,
not, as some would say, a sound mind,
but his own mind, nevertheless.

“It’s awfully considerate of you
to think of me here.
And I’m most obliged to you
for making it clear
that I’m not here.”

Eugene was a great musician,
taking music to the limit;
his songs will always survive.
Eugene took drugs to the limit;
he’s now in Interstellar Overdrive.

When we observed him with an axe,
you may understand our concern.
Was he in danger, or were we?

Eugene had already left us in spirit,
but he wandered away that day
and was lost to us forever.

 

barrettold

 

This poem is dedicated to the memory of “Syd Barrett (born Roger Keith Barrett; 6 January 1946 – 7 July 2006) who was an English singer, songwriter, guitarist and artist. He is most remembered as a founding member of  band Pink Floyd, providing major musical and stylistic direction in their early work, although he left the group in 1968 amidst speculations of mental illness exacerbated by heavy drug use.”

Axe is also British slang for guitar. Pink Floyd’s use of the title Careful With That Axe, Eugene may refer to “Barrett’s behaviour (which) became increasingly unpredictable, partly as a consequence of frequent experimentation with psychedelic drugs such as LSD. Many report having seen him on stage with the group, strumming on one chord through the entire concert, or not playing at all. At a show at The Fillmore West in San Francisco, during a performance of “Interstellar Overdrive”, Barrett slowly detuned his guitar. The audience seemed to enjoy such antics, unaware of the rest of the band’s consternation.” (Source: Wikipedia)

 

Buy my book for $0.99 — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...

Danced with Angels

26 Friday Feb 2016

Posted by DennisCardiff in Poetry

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

destiny, dreams, emotion, empathy, empowerment, eternal, fantasy, forever, lifetimes, longing, love

 

images

 

I’ve danced with angels —
the horizon and my heart
smouldering and blazing with fire

I’ve heard songs of sirens
crooning, moaning, lamenting
orgasmic cries of ecstasy

I’ve followed woodland nymphs
into secret, sacred circles
of overwhelming abandonment

I’ve flown with the chimera
beyond the astral plane
felt her fire on my loins

Like butterflies, they dance
to each erect, expectant flower
coming with their love

 

 

Buy my book for $0.99 — proceeds feed the homeless:
Gotta Find a Home; Conversations with Street People
http://buff.ly/1wyjiKS

 

Share this:

  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Tumblr
  • Reddit

Like this:

Like Loading...
← Older posts

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 146,608 other followers

Blog Stats

  • 63,977 hits

Recent Posts

  • If We Listen
  • Prairie Crocus
  • Voodoo Queen of New Orleans
  • First Snow Fall
  • destiny
May 2022
S M T W T F S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031  
« Oct    

Archives

  • October 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • October 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • October 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • RSS - Posts
  • RSS - Comments

Recent Comments

loujen haxm'Yor on If We Listen
House of Heart on If We Listen
yvettemcalleiro on If We Listen
robbiesinspiration on Voodoo Queen of New Orlea…
Jonathan Caswell on Prairie Crocus

Categories

  • Poetry
  • Prose
  • Song Lyrics
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 146,608 other followers

Blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • Dennis Cardiff
    • Join 146,608 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Dennis Cardiff
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    loading Cancel
    Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
    Email check failed, please try again
    Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
    %d bloggers like this: