Prairie Crocus

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, flowers, mystery, nature, personal, philosophy, spiritual

 

After the snow moves north
the prairie crocus,
native anemone,
ears of the earth
listens
for the rustle of summer.

Gently she sways
to moments of truth.
In her petals
the purple-blue mist
of far distant mountains;
a small golden sun
close to her heart.

Eternity
folds close around her,
warms her
from the cold winds
of spring.

…

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

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They Call Me Red:
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Private Eye: Eugene Leftowicz
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There Are No Horses Anymore

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
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http://buff.ly/1qLHptc ($.299 Download)
https://buff.ly/2lUfp6Q ($.99 Download)
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They Call Me Red:
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borderlands

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, destiny, free, homeless, imagination, love, philosophy, psychology, romance

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
at my side
with her hand in mine.

 

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 — 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:
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desperation drive

Tags

despair, destiny, dreams, lifetimes, loneliness, longing, lost love, nature, personal, philosophy, psychology

 

 

I’m just kicking stones, chasing loneliness — nothing much to do;
In my dusty hat and western 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 — vowed she loved me, caught the midnight train;
She took my money, left my broken heart, drowning in the rain.
Got to leave this town, have 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.

…

 

 

 

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:
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http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
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borderlands

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, destiny, free, homeless, imagination, love, philosophy, psychology, romance

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
at my side
with her hand in mine.

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 — 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

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desperation drive

Tags

despair, destiny, dreams, lifetimes, loneliness, longing, lost love, nature, personal, philosophy, psychology

 

 

I’m just kicking stones, chasing loneliness — nothing much to do;
In my dusty hat and western 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 — vowed she loved me, caught the midnight train;
She took my money, left my broken heart, drowning in the rain.
Got to leave this town, have 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.

 

…

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

borderlands

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, destiny, free, homeless, imagination, love, philosophy, psychology, romance

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
at my side
with her hand in mine.

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 — 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

Prairie Crocus

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, flowers, mystery, nature, personal, philosophy, spiritual

 

 

After the snow moves north
the prairie crocus,
native anemone,
ears of the earth
listens
for the rustle of summer.

Gently she sways
to moments of truth.
In her petals
the purple blue mist
of far distant mountains;
a small golden sun
close to her heart.

Eternity
folds close around her,
warms her
from the cold winds
of spring.

…

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
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Borderlands

Tags

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

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

 

beneath the cedars

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, destiny, free, letting go, meditation, philosophy, psychology, spiritual, unconditional love, universe

 

  
i sit
beneath the cedars,
in solemn serenity.
face red
with asking questions,
seeking answers
to the ways
of life and death —
molecules and atoms —
and how we’re all
connected.

my fingers
stiff, from cold —
a child’s stubby crayons —
make difficult the task
of turning pages,
jotting notes
about impermanence,
attachment
and letting go.

i’m surrounded
by spirits of seasons past.
i fear not —
they mean no harm.
their faces radiate,
coming from the light.
in their eyes
i see peace and love —
they are free
of mortal suffering
they endured
in life.

they comfort me.
Grieve not, they say,
soon enough, you will join us.
you will experience the universe
and all it has to offer.
you still have much to learn.
when you are ready,
we’ll be waiting.

i feel the joy of life —
(maples sailing leaves
of red and yellow)
moments, lifetimes pass…
then they’re gone,
as they should be.

beneath the cedars,
in their realm of wisdom,
reverently
i sit.

…

Image: http://buff.ly/1O5iabS

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The Silver Fox

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, despair, desperation, homeless, kindness, longing, philosophy, psychology, unconditional love

   

   
slouching
in forgotten tap-rooms
dirty old men,
forgotten old men,
slop piss colored beer
from, wet, dripping glasses.
the hollow din,
the retelling of the good old days,
echoes sadly
as life quickly passes.

“They used to call me ‘The Silver Fox’
What do you think of that?
They used to care.”

an empty glass crashes
to the muddy floor.

“I guess I’ll be hitting the street tonight.
Sleep in an alley tonight.
Nobody cares.”

slouching
in forgotten tap-rooms
dirty old men,
forgotten old men,
slop piss colored beer.
nobody cares…

…

Image: http://buff.ly/1O5iabS

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http://buff.ly/1YlMlPX
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borderlands

Tags

choice, desperation, destiny, empowerment, fantasy, forever, free, mystery, philosophy, psychology, Sociology

  

  

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
at my side
with her hand in mine.

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.

   

…

  
Image: http://buff.ly/1O5iabS

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
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http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
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Serve with Love

Tags

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

To family and friends in Orlando
 

 

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
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http://www.blunttalk.libsyn.com/
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Come Together

Tags

compassion, death, destiny, dreams, eternal, free, lifetimes, longing, philosophy, romance, spiritual

 

 

eyes closed
not yet awake
nor quite asleep
arms and legs immobile
snug, secure
satisfied

I see myself
arise…
and float away…
(but, I rest here
confused)

body drifts
through the roof
no cold of night
only vibration
universe opens
it is I

female figure
appears
love light emanating
arm outstretched
in welcome
we come together
forever

 

…

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Soon It Will Be Dark

Tags

death, despair, destiny, eternal, forever, free, longing, mystery, nature, personal, philosophy

 

 

i walked this path
when love was young
and buds about to spring —
colors bright, breezes soft
no want for anything.

there was a time
for boundless hope
and dreams of evermore.
now i wander aimlessly
my joints are getting sore.

where went this youth
these dreams and songs
that winged on words of love?
left with geese flocking south
chorus sounds above.

now the trail is sodden
with limp and trodden leaves;
gone the color and the spark.
trees and i are getting old
soon it will be dark.

…

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emerging

Tags

butterflies, destiny, eternal, free, kindness, lifetimes, love, mystery, nature, personal, philosophy

 

 

emerging
from the darkness
into the brightest light
shedding the burden of my chrysalis
uncovering, discovering
the me held deep inside
for so very long

unfolding
and inflating wings
for the very first time
seeing my colors like the skin
of a kite drying in the sun
gradually flexing limbs
feeling the breeze

I tremble
experience the lightness
an updraft lifts me from my rest
to float, flutter and fly
over the green expanse
of the meadow

a miracle
a new life before me
as wide and as clear as the sky
never to be constrained
or limited in vision
as I have been
in the past

 
 

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The Willow Guides My Way

Tags

compassion, destiny, emotion, empathy, eternal, free, lifetimes, love, loving kindness, mystery, philosophy

 

In China,
Kuan Yin (who represents compassion),
is sometimes portrayed holding a willow branch
symbolizing her capacity to bend
in the face of the most fierce storms
and winds of life
without being broken.
 

 

I was lost, but now am found,
was fear, but now am love —
from sunrise to compassion,
the willow guides my way.

Sunlit days and starlit nights,
seasons change from green to gold.
Blackbirds perching row on row
await the winter’s chill.

Worrier to warrior,
completeness is my quest.
With each breath out I die,
breathe in, I’m born again.

I was lost, but now I’m found,
was fear, but now I’m love —
from sunrise to compassion,
the willow guides my way.

 
 

Buy my book for $0.99 — proceeds feed the homeless:
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Prufrock

Tags

compassion, despair, empathy, fantasy, fear, imagination, longing, mystery, personal, philosophy, universe

 
 

While pondering Prufrock, and his unanswered, “overwhelming question”
I consider my world of insecurities,
the fourth dimension,
the meaning of life, of afterlife, how high the sky, how deep the sea.
A lot of questions; but, most of all, is that woman looking at me?
And if so, why? Is it admiration? Perhaps my fly is undone.
Is she smiling or snickering? Are my clothes too tight? I’ve just begun. I like to think I’m individualistic, independent;
not a slave to the crowd. My clothes suit me – rather vintage, resplendant.
Or, am I a joke?
Is my style inappropriate, my hair too long?
The words float in space and, in my head, I hear the music to a song.
I’ll admit some insecurity; a lot of insecurity —
more learning, more questions. I like to think of that as maturity. I openly seek, and appreciate, the approval of my peers.
I know that contradicts;
but that’s the way I’ve become throughout the years.
It is impossible to say just what I mean!
It is the sum of who I am, what I’ve done and where I’ve been.
I’ve had much more than my share of restless nights
in one-night cheap hotels.
Unlike Eliot, I consider myself more of a new age seeker. Yes, I have heard the mermaids singing
and no, they do not sing to me.
I have become the watcher, putting in my time, dreaming of the sea.
Infinite waves, at times lapping at the beach,
or crashing on the shore.
Sometimes, I think that life should have more meaning,
that I could be much more.
I have accomplished what I could – “cat will mew,
and dog will have his day.”(1)
As always, the beautiful women smile, and chatter, and walk away.
…

 
 
(1)[1600-1 Shakespeare Hamlet v. i. 286]

Phrases in italics are quoted from The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S.Eliot, one of my favorite poems. What I like most are the daily observances, recollections, distractions, insecurities and the questions.

Image: http://buff.ly/1QJvqW2

 

 

Buy my book for $0.99 — proceeds feed the homeless:
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Icarus

Tags

blues, death, despair, emotion, empowerment, fear, free, love, mystery, personal, philosophy

Icarus (Photo credit: Jim Moran)

.

there is a space
between the mind
(that tends to seclude)
and the universe
(all-encompassing)
i travel this space

there is a space
between musical notes
between words
between lines
(very important)

there is a space
between the breathing in
and the breathing out
between the fullness
and the emptiness

between ascending
to the sun with Icarus
and the inevitable
plummeting
to earth

.

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The Old Maple

Tags

death, emotion, empathy, eternal, longing, love, mystery, nature, personal, philosophy, tree

 

Chilled
under the first
dusting of snow.
The old maple,
gnarled, naked,
emaciated limbs
(a crone)
reaches skyward,
grieving
the death of summer.

Short months past
billowing sleeves
of red and gold
(before that shades of green)
waved
in jubilation —
young girls dancing.

Her canopy
screened lovers
from burning sun,
prying moon.

(They didn’t tell a soul.)

Still,
the lovers come
to relive precious moments,
hear crunching leaves,
inhale damp, earthy odors of decay,
hold hands,
embrace in heavy winter garments,
kiss cool cheeks,
savor the scent of fresh air
on chilled skin.

I embrace her
for the last time this year.
She settles in,
patiently awaiting the buds of spring.
For now,
I say goodbye.
I will return with the leaves.
She will be here
waiting.

 
 
 
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Let Me Sleep Until the Dawn

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fantasy, imagination, insomnia, longing, personal, philosophy, psychology, ruminate, 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 some 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 the 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.

 

 

 
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Careful With That Axe, Eugene

Tags

compassion, emotion, empathy, imagination, lyricist, music, philosophy, Pink Floyd, psychology, singer, songwriter

 

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.

 

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)

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Beneath the Cedars

Tags

compassion, death, destiny, free, longing, loving kindness, mystery, nature, philosophy, spiritual, unconditional love

I sit
beneath the cedars,
in solemn serenity.
Face red
with asking questions,
seeking answers
to the ways
of life and death —
molecules and atoms —
and how we’re all
connected.

My fingers
stiff, from cold —
a child’s stubby crayons —
make difficult the task
of turning pages,
jotting notes
about impermanence,
attachment
and letting go.

I’m surrounded
by spirits of seasons past.
I fear not —
they mean no harm.
Their faces radiate,
coming from the light.
In their eyes
I see peace and love —
they are free
of mortal suffering
they endured
in life.

They comfort me.
“Grieve not,” they say,
“soon enough, you will join us.
You will experience the universe
and all it has to offer.
You still have much to learn.
When you are ready,
we’ll be waiting.”

I feel the joy of life —
(maples sailing leaves
of red and yellow)
moments, lifetimes pass…
then they’re gone,
as they should be.

I lived a dream,
everything was possible,
a spirit, a whisper
of love.

Beneath the cedars,
in their realm of wisdom,
reverently
I sit.
 
 

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… space …

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, death, empathy, eternal, free, kindness, philosophy, Sociology, unconditional love

 

There’s a space
on the sidewalk
where a smile once lived
greetings go undelivered
sarcasm left unsaid

my mornings
will be muted
other lives,
many lives,
will be lessened.

we’ll say remember when —
but, memories bring pain
another reminder
of someone
we’ll never see
again

.

 
 
 
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future

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, dreams, empathy, free, kindness, love, personal, philosophy, spiritual

 

 
 
each sunrise
brings me closer
to the self
of my intentions,
choices,
disappointments,
failures,
perseverance.

dreams
can be deceptive.
truth is never simple.
i work with what i have
and go from there.
the trail winds
sometimes, back upon itself.
i proceed.

with each breath,
i learn, or unlearn
truths of my existence.
an unseen hand
beckons me forward
into the unknown
of self discovery —
my future.
 
 
 
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Acceptance

Tags

Buddhism, Christianity, compassion, empathy, empowerment, kindness, mankind, philosophy, psychology, unconditional love, world

 

in my nearly seven decades
on this earth
i know some things to be true.
if there is a key to life
it is ACCEPTANCE.
this is a goal that i aspire to,
i’m not always successful,
but with each slip
i affirm that i can do better;
i will do better.

i don’t have answers.
i don’t have solutions.
i don’t have resources.
what i offer is a safe haven
where YOU can come home.
i will ACCEPT you —
no questions asked,
no explanation expected,
nothing requested
in return.
i open my heart
to YOU.
 
 
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loner

Tags

compassion, destiny, dreams, empowerment, eternal, forever, free, kindness, longing, love, philosophy

 
i don’t like
to say i’m a loner —
the label
has antisocial connotations
that cause me
discomfort

it’s not that
i don’t like people
but, sometimes
they get under my skin.
i don’t mean to offend anybody
you haven’t done anything wrong,
you’re not inadequate,
or lacking in social skills

it’s just that
i live in my mind,
it’s not a big mind,
sometimes, two’s a crowd.
i’m not hiding anything,
i’m trying to figure things out —

sometimes,
i’m not too quick at that,
i have to mull things over,
imagine the consequences.
often,
i decide not to do anything
(‘a rebel without a clue’),
leave the ball in someone else’s court,
let them make the decision.

i’m not proud
of this attitude
but, it’s the only one i have
so, it’ll have to do,
until i find a replacement;
that’s not going to happen —
so live with it,
or leave me alone.

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Strangers (Once Again)

Tags

compassion, forever, kindness, longing, lost love, loving kindness, mystery, personal, philosophy, 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).

 
 
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$2.99 Download

Tags

compassion, emotion, empathy, empowerment, imagination, kindness, lifetimes, love, mystery, philosophy, sighs

$2.99 download
ow.ly/NlSAm

Thoroughly satisfying read, just like good sex.

I have read Rebecca’s first book Summer of ’71 and gave it a 5-Star review on GoodReads and Amazon. The character of Max, from the first book, continues his adventures in Great Caesar’s Ghost, however the books are completely independent.

I haven’t read many books that involve time travel, but this one quickly dispelled my disbelief. In each time period the author gives a fascinating account of the era, in terms of dress, appliances, architecture, speech and morals. As in Summer of ’71 I learned something on every page. Rebecca has a unique and delightful manner of storytelling that gives the reader the feeling that she is a friend that they may converse with on an intimate level.

Be prepared for excitement, adventure, eroticism and thorough enjoyment as you read Great Caesar’s Ghost by Rebecca Branch. I rate this book 5 Stars. Her next Book Roman Holiday is expected to be released in July of this year.

For more information see my post at:  http://ow.ly/NmKEp

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game

Tags

animals, emotion, empowerment, fear, freedom, life, mankind, personal, philosophy

.

“If a monk was physically attacked, the Buddha allowed him to strike back in self-defense, but never with the intention to kill.”

by

Thanissaro Bhikkhu

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Dennis and his shiny motorcycle

.

when i was younger
i considered life a game.
i’d try anything once
for the experience.
there was nothing
i wouldn’t do
on a dare

that wasn’t a period
of great decisions.
they seemed
like good ideas
at the time —
seldom,
they were

now i’m concerned
with what i can accomplish
in the finite time ahead.
i don’t expect to die
in the near future
but the end
will come

each day i become
more of an activist
for the rights of all humans
and animals.
that’s a bit scary —
new territory for me.
i feel vulnerable
to attack

when i was younger
i said, and still say,
‘if your back’s against the wall
fight your best fight,
take your lumps —
the rest’ll take care
of itself’

there’s blood on the wall, blood on the floor,
some of it’s mine, but he spilled more.
got what I came for, took a lot of pain for.
watching my back, i leave by the side door.

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