Sweet Dreams
 

Posted this in my journal to test the waters, and was happy enough with it to extend it for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy.


Sweet Dreams


"Sweet Dreams" he said that night,
as our chat ended at a late hour.
With a smile I turned out the light,
my thoughts drifting away beyond my power.

And as I was standing there,
soft light reflected on the waters;
Out of the shadows crept a grey mare,
her footsteps speaking a whisper ever softer.

Until no longer in the moonlight
was her graceful form in view.
But still twinkling from twilight
were on petals glistening drops of dew.

With so light a step to not wake those asleep,
A wandering path leads to a shore.
Every step further towards the deep,
A calm gentle soothing is felt slightly more.

Details and memories dwindle in number,
I've been floating forever, it seems.
Until sunlight rays break through my slumber,
All because someone said "sweet dreams".

Very nice.....makes you want to count your blessings, thanx.

Sweet dreams indeed.

Thanks for your comments, Tecoyah & Six :)

The juices are just flowing lately, this is inspired by Sting's "Desert Rose"


Gardens in the Desert Sand

The first hint of a coming change
almost undectable, a shift in the air
Brings to near sweet nectar,
gardens in the desert sand

Summer sun, never wavering
as it makes its journey overhead
Warm and heavy, the air encloses the senses
Brings to near sweet nectar,
gardens in the desert sand

A look above brings to view
an endless sapphire ocean
Slowly losing precious ground
to the steady march of foreboding clouds
which brings to near sweet nectar,
gardens in the desert sand

The invisible weight, a sweet intoxication
suspense mouting as the army draws closer
The winds find their voice;
their howling chorus
brings to near sweet nectar,
gardens in the desert sand

At last the first drop is let
slowly a steady symphony
of pit pat fills the air
Until the earth knows of no other sound
and brings to near sweet nectar,
gardens in the desert sand

With hands outstretched
and head upturned
every drop a trip to paradise
Turning with the wind
hidden in the dust
There I stand
drinking of sweet nectar,
gardens in the desert sand

Claps of lightning
a roar of thunder break
the reverie
Already the clouds have
found a new destination
And with them they take
ever further sweet nectar,
gardens in the desert sand

I like how you use repatition in it with the last line and a half. Good freeverse!

A Smile

Little more than a twitch of muscles
it can shape your mind for a day.

A stranger's friendly grin
A child's, toothless.
A day goes from full of clouds
to full of hope.

The knowing smile of one near and dear
warms straight through
A day goes from quickly forgotten
to marked forever in memory.

No escape in immunity,
no vaccination possible.

I love the way you lay down the words and they flow into me...

JRVA -

Thanks for the comment... I usually read the poems outloud to myself as I'm working on them.... glad to see they have an effect on someone else. I think spoken words can have so much power :)

Another addition:


Sapphire Glass

A bone chilling breath across my cheek
A dead stillness in the air
Eyes adjust to the darkness

All to be seen in the shroud of black
Two orbs of sapphire, glass
Their gaze fixed upon my face

Obeying the silent command
Blankets fall away as I step beyond
The ground rushing, bringing oblivion

Except this ground holds translucent shades
Bent in the light cast by distant stars above
Faded lavender, then single blades
Holding perfectly shaped dew
dance across my vision

My mind struggles past lethargy
Age, wisdom reflected in those staring depths
Holding under key solutions of this mystery
Drowning out hope, leaving only veiled truth

In the same instant both comforted and terrified
Torn with indecision to heed or defy
Unspoken orders emitted from those spheres of ice
No longer time to choose

Lifted away, still not a clue
All too soon back within familiar sights
Left to wake once again
Alone, but haunted,
by piercing orbs of sapphire glass.

Very good way of setting a errie feeling and mood to the poem.

Continuing with the spooky mood describing the orbs as eyes in darkness watching your every move. Very good!

A dark wisdom killing hope. I like it.

Nice way of showing both your feelings as well as the power of the orbs.

That last line is my favorite. I like how you described the sapphire glass's gaze as piercing.:)

That's my favorite line too... I started out with that and had to make sure I put it in there somewhere!

This piece is dedicated to a special person who's become an awesome friend.

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/.../fordavid2.jpg

~ Dedicated to NiceGuy ~

I was speechless for a while, and I guess I still am!

amonkie, your words are so beautiful! From them flow a kindness that pierces to my heart and soul. It looks great too! Thank you!:icare:

~ Thanks to NiceGuy for his help :) ~




Twinkling Eyes

Weary bones lay to rest
Another night has begun
Distant staccato fire pierces
No longer does he jump

Fatigue felt to his soul
So foreign a burden
Even closed eyes cannot remove
Untold horrors of the day

A frozen smile catches his eye
His saving grace in a never-ending hell
Her eyes twinkling back
A secret to tell

To return to his love
This life left behind
No greater wish
Could his heart make

Sleep overcomes
Fixed gaze slowly lets
Gunfire turned fireworks
As he dreams of his wife

Awake with a flash
He goes to save lives
So that other soldiers
Can join their wives

Now it's his turn
To come back from hell
A joyous returning
To his heart and will

A beautiful tribute to the military medics in Iraq!

i was truely captivated by sweet dreams. i know you must hear it a lot but thank you for sharing because your writing is truely inspiring and absolutely wonderful

Thanks you.. Its good to read what other people have in there minds... What objects mean to them and the value of things around them...

Thanks for all your comments everyone :)

Working on another one, but was working like an insane person all last week, so waiting for the pieces to come together.

Broken China


Catching the eye in passing
patterns on glass win a second glance
Thoughts of what could go missing
Hand outstretched, he takes a chance

The delicate china placed at the center
Life moving onward, hand in hand
exhilarating, so much better
than ages solitary on a stand

Until one day, the moment came
hand once outstretched drops china to shatter
innocence lost, never the same
only shards remain of what no long matters

Slowly jagged fragments gather
Is eternity incomplete now her fate?
To now protect, a wall around her
Attempts to restore a pleasing state

Good.:)

Envelope of Silence

To some, a burden to bear
An existence not quite perfect

But to gain at the loss of one,
heightened sensation

Every touch felt
Every movement captured

Life's most important messages
found trifled not with words

Universal language prevails
far beyond spoken tones

To long for that not known?
Perhaps best left a mystery

An envelope of silence
to better appreciate
the echo of a whisper.

Damn....that was GREAT.

Agreed.

Here..... then Gone.


A mirage dancing before my eyes
Gone before dreams become reality
Life as on puppet strings
only moved when summoned

Rendered immobile at the whim
of whomever holds the strings
Powerless from the beginning
Life breathed in by skillfull hands

Lively dance
smiling face

Until robbed of breath
and put to death

Here, then gone
no mind of one's own.

I'm sure many have felt this way before....


Watched Clock

An hour to go
A watched clock ticks so slow

Sick of this chair,
Inanimate monitor returns my stare

Cute guys all around
Who couldn't tell me from the ground

A single phone gives a ring
Makes us all want to sing

Saying the same things all day
Almost time to leave and play

To go home to an empty house
I could probably hear a mouse

Calming Waters

A spot to rest under an emerald ceiling
Noises of urban life left far behind, unseen

All around, music to the ears
From trickling brook to cascading falls
Nature's symphony has an audience

Perched nearby, a soloist robin bobs about
Small little twitters accompany the sounds
All else falling silent to the chorus

Leaves gently rocking
Their hue almost too vibrant
Occasional crags of stone, towering
Peek through the colorful curtain

Refreshed, ascent begins again
Another place to stop,
A different melody
Just as tranquil, calming waters

Who ever would want to leave this place?

Sleeping Angel

Softly he crept in, closed door blocking light
No sound for fear she'd wake
He stood watch over his new angel,
Every eyelash resting peacefully

No one ever told him
She'd make him feel this way
In his eyes, a perfect masterpiece
Every stare revealing more mystery

Her tiny hands in fists
Each finger so carefully detailed
When clasped around his hand,
More powerful than grown foes

When her eyes were open
So thoughtfully they'd stare
Pulling at his heart's strings
Her smile made his day

His life found new purpose
In this little bundle of pink
A better place, the world to make
Beauty for his sleeping angel

Circle of Life


Circle of Life
a timetable of its own
Moving forward without permission
Holding back when all else fails
a demon meant to torment?
or a gift disguised

amonkie, so happy to see these here!
I'll come back again re-read and comment again once they've sunk in over time.
Thanks for the good contribs!

Good work! Keep it up!

Very nice. Do people also post song lyrics here as well?

Just wondering,

People post anything of a written nature, that is their own work. If you are looking to post lyrics from bands you like or something, check out the Titled Music thread.

Endless Time

chills around
heart pounds
trapped in the now
what I'd give to move
forward or back
rewrite history
a rescue or a curse
to change stars ahead

so now the wait begins
a room never ending
accompanied alone
to begin walking
is to be always wandering

But to stay
is to be crushed
soul and mind alike
bent under stress
answers, questions
one always forms another
no end in sight

Lost

A wall of glass
visible to all but me
small things to laugh
but me, do you see?

Am I a fire to you
to touch me burns?
Or am I left
to my own defenses
All stripped from me in turn

My eyes cry out
For a single genuine touch
A willing ear to hear,
A word to soothe

Maybe you once saw my eyes
for you turned away
Left me standing here
Blindly to find my way

Truth Unknown


Mystery standing before
Almost unveiled
Still enough darkness
Secrets left untold

A test of strength
Mocking tease
To my mind

With wisdom, lost hope
Of dreams and smiles
Shoulder set,
The world to face

To look back brings ache
Innocence, carefree
For to see the world
Rose colored glasses

No possible balance
Search for a fulcrum
Proves futile

Worst of all
Lack of choice
Death to soul
Rose or wisdom

*picks up jaw from floor*

Wow! Excellent group of works.

I have been pondering taking up writing since I feel a need to express myself. I think you just inspired me to do so.


thanks

Glad to be a source of inspiration! It took someone sparking me before I really got back into writing recently. Look forward to seeing your contributions here! :)

Love Takes A Leap



Some say love takes a leap
A leap of faith
A stride of trust

Standing at the crumbling edge
Clutching the rail of safety
Hanging as if life
Depends upon my hold

I leapt once, tumbling down
The canyon growing taller
Hitting rocks of lies
A sharp cliff of betrayal

Enough tears
To have cried a river
Which only hardens
The final blow

A climb before me
Each step passing
Memories
Some block my path
Others move boulders

From the summit
Much time has passed
Warily gazing across
The all expansive gulf
A chance to rest
Hand on an ever present rail

To say love takes a leap
But to have only fallen
So much more will it take
To erase pain, to trust

So long, holding on
hands tired of safety
But no arms in which
To take the leap and land

Old, but new poem:

All of the others I've posted here as I wrote them, this one is out of order since I just cleaned my purse and found it scribbled on a piece of scrap paper, so should go between Truth Unknown and Love takes a Leap- more from the evolution of my mind:


Drained from worry
Mind set at ease
A lesson learned
Nature, no man owns

Now to tread more carefully
Wary of paths uncovered
hiding danger underfoot
Smiling baby, fatal bite

For some reason my inspirations seem to always come as I should be drifting off to sleep....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...e/ratspoem.gif


~ In memory of Rat's grandfather ~

COOL! That's awesome! The pic looks like a night shot overlying a sunset shot. And great poem!:thumbsup::thumbsup:

I appreciate the way you're able to describe the most intimate feelings in subtle, yet startling ways. There's something very universal about your love poems. I find myself coming back to these just to have the words echo in my mind.

Thanks.

Cleansing Rain


A hushed silence
Darkness falling early
Random drops hint
Light begins to dance
Cloud to cloud
Never stopping
Echos to a calling
Never quite reaching
A heightened climax
Whipping wind whistles
Sends forth the rain
Clearing away grime
Steps taken away
Lighter, refreshed
Dancing in the rain

Beautiful....quite refreshing...literally

This one is nowhere near done, just had the words floating around in my head and I wanted to jot them so I wouldn't forget and lose them...



Lune Mist

Under moon, new light to take
same essence, different face
some wishes of decision, to unmake
looking around the barren space

Dream In My Mind


In the dream of my mind
all my many flaws melt away
scars from living, on my skin
No longer visible to tell of survival
Surface beauty

A walk across the world
Radiating grace and poise
Holes,cracks on the path
No longer cause me to stumble
To music, a tango on stilettos
Moving beauty

This beauty, a stranger
To those in my dream
A facade masking all knowns
For ages along the way
The mirage sparkled
Drew me forward, ever reaching
Tantalizing beauty

Where once shadows teased
Now only admonition, a sigh
What it cost to chase
A forever empty dream
Deceptive beauty

An appeal echoes silently
Trapped by imposed pretension
This dream didn't end
At the infamous pot of gold
But the crumbs, eaten up
leave no where else to go
Hidden inner beauty

World on His Shoulders


Once a dream to enjoy the promise American offered
Take all the sorrows of today and vanish them away
Oaths spoken, a breath, reality rains, crashing down
The organized living replaced by essential survival
People suffering don't often agree to disagree
"I'd do it better", they all say, looking around
Do they ever realize we are all only human?

In the Midst of Life


All the endless possibilities a second offers
Each moving forward regardless of the outcome
Any attempt to rein in Time met with futility

So many demands made simultaneously
How to choose the best beckon
All I desire is to be whole at the end

A body able to move of its own accord
A mind not dulled from unuse
A spirit not quenched by trials of life
Memories of small things to bring a smile

Very good writing, I enjoy reading your stuff. I really like this line...Memories of small things to bring a smile
Thanks fore sharing your stuff

This corner of life
I pretend
my popsicle stick fence
withstands more than
a mere exhaled breath
Not quite sure
exactly what led me here
footsteps to trace
did I really come this way?
Who's to say
I haven't just been in circles
My tentative calling
echos upon the clouds
dangling hope of daybreak
A teasing glimmer shut away
I dig my toes into the sand
determined to last the wait
Knocked unawares
gasping for air among salty sea
A reminder to my toes
no matter how deep you dig
oceans always move the sand
from underneath to a swirl
a kiss of pearl foam
sliding away amused

Flying above, life speeding by below
You glimpse a birds eye view
Serenity, calm, deceptive tranquility
And so you believe what's on the surface
The truth takes too much guilt to face
Reluctantly, on the ground again you find
Your new mask of Camels to distance
A grey wall of smoke to ward off talk
Drag after drag, do you kill yourself
A breath at a time, just one more
Harsh criticism of double standards
yet you can't point your livid finger
at yourself, a prime example
Finding laughter in cruelty
compassion a false emotion
playing across your face
until the lie breaks from
the depths of your eyes
and I walk away knowing
truth that should set you free
only strengthens the many
walls of your voluntary
inpenetrable prison

Along the worn path of time
he walked, alone, yet again
A journey started unawares
must be completed to the end
Cursing the fates that dropped
his weary soul back into despair
Resigned eyes gazing around
through the hazy mist of memory
grey tones seen, cloaking once
which breathed vibrant hues
now drowning in shadow

I don't really know how to describe the last one, but it leaves me with an uneasy feeling.

Still good stuff though!! Keep it up!

None the Wiser

A world apart in dreams
All ailments fade away
The scraggly weak stand strong
Prison bars on voice
Suddenly lose their captive


When awake, conscious
Mind fiercely controlled
Fear, worry, politeness
succumb to open honesty
In my dream, I spill
All the words unsaid

On and on words fall
Only coming to a halt
When all breath is spent

Dawn peeks on the horizon
Prison bars resume their place
Yet another day begins to play
The world none the wiser

All the magic and glory of paradise
Hangs fragilely under night's shadows
Like moths drawn to a growing flame
Bright light drowning out all danger
The moon above dances in darkness
Grime and signs of turmoil masked
Oh so romantic waves crashing the shore
With stars twinkling just for the pair
Same sky and waves carry on the sunrise
Boats out for the days catch, to sell
Urban sprawl encroaching ever further
Timeless mountains slowly losing ground
All for selfish laziness on pristine beaches

Wow. I read every single one all the way through. I definitely have a lot to learn. I will say though that I got a little inspired with each one. Words started going off in my head. Certain lines definitely stuck out to me. Lots of them were closers. I don't think all of them were though. I guess I'll let you keep writing now. Great stuff.

Asta!!

The world is just sad today, you see
Is rain falling, sign of angels crying
Are things always really meant to be?
Hearts spent, not for lack of trying

Hi amonkie, i read your poems after you posted about mine. They're very good, i enjoyed them especially the one ending about an envelope of silence...

Also had a feeling my own poems were way too short but yours range from a few lines to a lot and they're still good. Thanks for making me feel better about that ;)

Wrapped around my mind
flimsy paper lanterns shine
Dangling carefree down
from thin tattered twine
lively color patterns dance
A finger twirls edges round
bouncing light, shadows lost
paths never traveled twice
Every angle, a different view
best seen filtered through
Direct gaze and expose
colors run to blend a grey

I see the wall you face
I see the holds I tried
the places I slipped
fell and cried, a piece
of me dies every trip
up that tower wall
I hear the laughs
know it's good
and no matter
it matters not me
one foot in the door
stuck, now climb
but hanging upside
my heart going down
through my mind
all i want is this
to be a one
can't be won
if I won't say
I'm missing
I'll still not be
there inside.

Somber sunset falls
muted hues stand guard
windblown branches tilting
sunscorched leaves tumble
dusty barren floor crunches

- An AZ fall

All of life full, a dream
Vibrant cloak of humanity
Satisfied not to merely breathe
Mocked as poor, hidden kings
By glorious fools, oblivious
Dwindling grains of sand
Teasing from death grips
Tinsel covered treasures

Changed

The music's changed
Lead to follow melting
In fading swirls of dreams
Always a step behind, falling
Empty ghosts of memories
Appear in dancing beams
Satin filtered, diamond touched
A rhythm heard, internal secret
Composed of poised grace, waiting
For the dance unknowingly passed
beyond the expansive grasp of Time

Warriour cries of victory
Transform to breathing softly
Of hushed scribed melodies
As forever, so powerful alone

Formidable wall of strength
Yet allways still penetrable
Tears fall of a broken heart
To love betrayed, that left

Camaraderie a constant companion
Though alone at night, of meeting
Melancholy silence in depth unseen
Patiently waiting amid consuming shadows

Enclosed, surmised to protect
Bravery found to risk a breath without
A moment of freedom, vulnerable
Fresh air to invigorate the dishearted


~ No title has spoken to me yet, so this one goes unnamed ~

All good. The one about paper laterns was particularly gratifying.

Glad you like it, it's one of my recent favorites too :)

In circles I drift along,
fingertips teasing water's edge
a gentle rock sets in motion
soft ripples of water music
A smile sneaking past my lips
no sufficient explanation
of how I found the eye
in the midst of a raging storm
but content to be here
under rain trickling down

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...kie/those1.jpg


~ Dedicated to Fhqwhgads and all others serving in the public and military services ~

Broken Dreams

You made my eyes sparkle and dance
Once upon a time, I thought
Enough stars to take a chance
A dream or for real,I couldn't say
But maybe it doesn't matter, if
at least the memory stays
For the broken dreams that fall
the journey still remains
Perhaps, this is best of all

A Stranger


I shook hands with a shadow
The familiar face belonged to a stranger
No twinkling eyes sharing a secret
Lips once always smiling instead
Pulled down, a permanent frown
That once dreamy, melodic voice
Now raspy, a record gone old, scratched
A strong presence robbed of spirit and left
Loneliness remains and the wait begins

I Remember

Trembling, my heart thuds in my ears
Descending darkness sets shadows dancing
I gasp for oxygen, deep breaths leaking air
Chilled air meets warm skin, my clothes melt away
Goosebumps rise on my flesh, sensitive to every touch
Your fingers wander, gently teasing, tracing lines
Tension and relaxation as you make your way
The soft caress of kisses shower my neck
Fireworks suddenly explode at a nibble of my ear
I can't hold back the soft moan that escapes
Not wanting to be strong anymore, I succumb
Broken moonlight shines on glistening skin
As the night fades away, I later wake
swatting away slobbery kisses and furry paws
Shake my head at the wet nose in my face
Another lonely night has passed.

An old friend, waiting
lovingly aged pedals poise
Ebony and ivory, 88 in all
With the first touch, it melts
mind taken over by music
of the heart, it resonates
unwilling to make it end
so each note begins again

My Shadow

When you see my shadow on a wall
a billboard shouts "I'm Here"
You come to me thinking
I see writing on the wall
my door appears to you always open
a box of tissues in my hand
and some chocolate even closer
the cure I make for you repeatedly
just drains me completely dry

When the monsters storm at night
everyone has a child inside
who needs a safe haven to hide
Guarded by flashlights
measured by occasional runs for food
someone who says when morning breaks
it was only shadows all along

When the rain starts falling
what seemed like savored independence
leaves you the stranger by the fountain
so wet jumping in wouldn't make a difference,
thinking all the wishes from pennies
brightly blinking and dancing underwater
wouldn't even begin to fix your broken world

When you think you've reached the bottom
not only does your rescue ladder fall
but the light disappears from view
Without something to surely guide you
How do you tell which way is even up?

The writing challengers are still going strong, wanted to lump all mine together so I could find them easily....
-------------------------
Always in your field of vision
A safe haven on a rainy day
But life sneaks up past
turning your eyes away
Seasons later you stumble
And find your seat already taken
-----------------------------
years splitting strings
rusted ships made doomed
something grand, thrown
a mess of hearts tinkering
in the middle of nowhere
old mistakes a memory
improving the original
-------------------------------------------
Charred timber crumbles in my hands
My way here now drowned in murky darkness
Smudges of charcoal begin to disappear
Their initial resistance quickly yielding
Much like those quickly dying flames
Anger controlling in haste
But the bridge, I've already burned
And left myself on this side alone
to wish my way safely back.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was only supposed to be a dream. There's no way those vibrant clouds could ever be seen in real life. The water that looked as if God's palette of color had gotten muddled from the tears of weeping angels felt squishy solid underfoot, so that it was natural to follow the rising steps. In the eerie silent wind, the only voices were those instead my head. Apparently, I had a choice to make, and I could only choose once. The half submerged aged bottle containing rolled parchment. Supposedly on that parchment were all the answers to questions I'd never been able to find answers to. Only problem was, once you reached the steps the first time, if you left, the water owned you. So while I would have all the answers, I'd be essentially frozen forever with that knowledge. My other choice was to take hold of that door, the dark cherry wood and that gold embossed handle. A peek through the door just showed more endless water, but supposedly once you actually stepped through that door, you were free. Free from what, the voice didn't say. I'm not quite sure what I believe. I mean, my eyes work fine, I don't see any magical could dancing on the other side of the door to convince me of this speculated power. And it's always nice to have the answers. But what good are answers if you can't do anything about what you know? And something tells me that like the squishy water, this place isn't all that meets the eye. And something's caught my eye, just on the other side of the door. I can't pick out what it is without stepping entirely through the door. A hand on the knob, and an outstretched hand reaching towards the bottle. I should have known there'd be no way to reach both at the same time. *Sigh* If I don't choose, I can just open my eyes, and the dream's all over. But my eyes are open. Odd. Don't even know exactly how I got here anyhow. But that little light is shining brighter now.... I wonder what I'm supposed to be "free" from. Only one way to find out - so in I go. and I fall.....


It was a dream. That endless cacophony of unspecified songs couldn't exist in real life. But that small puddle on the floor, just by the edge of the bed. The light catching that water makes it seem pink and green and blue, all together. No, it can't be.

I decide to capture the world of my eye
Set up my supplies, poised brush ready
As the strokes go, the world I see
doesn't seem to be what I paint
Instead I see a blue wave of halls
Memories sparked unconsciously
Again I begin, this time determined
Yet again, the end does not match outside
Every time, the scenery doesn't change
But the eye of the brush sweeps along
a different picture in mind

In all the fuss in working to live
Some forget it's no less time of life
The frozen frame of pause disabled
Even fast foward seems too slow
attempts to balance stifled creativity
lets random images melt haziness
Enough time for a mirage in memory
yet no freedom to concretely explore
The chance of living to live

Back in childhood it was a game
to count the piggies on the toes
and when the floor was clean
a muddy trail of footprints
blazed a new path inside

Young hormones raging
every comment, when voiced
shoves a wide foot inside
the ever shrinking mouth
Charging on ahead
until brought to your knees

And at the end of day
A mind weary from life
takes comfort in knowing
step after step they'll make
leading the way to home.
-----------------------------------------
A mesmerizing sight to my eyes
so powerful the changes sneak in
the wind that ceased to caress
the void of sounds signaling life
the rich smell of earth evaporates
the bitter taste of dust disappears

The nothingness surrounds a glory
shining rays of amber gold and red
sprinkles of dancing light lead the eyes
all the more marvelous from no distraction

I am ever amazed at the way you make music of language. Few people are allowed such a Muse dear Monkie....be happy with your gift.

Along a Lonely Road

Sometimes on a lonely road we're set
Glancing side to side, no companion this time
Blank emptiness behind, vague gray stretches ahead
No choice but to begin, stepping solitarily down

Once on this lonely road, out of the woodwork comes
The makers of character which test inner strength
From the depths of despair to momentary bliss
All work deftly to write the story of the heart

Sometimes the sure step falters and slows
Suddenly not sure about wanting to know
Just exactly where this road finally goes
A plea for an end to appear, a release

A soft whisper floats in gently to remind
They once too walked this lonely road
Which helped find the way inside themselves
A journey once started, never truly stops

While still wary of what lines this road ahead
Disheartened spirit gently lifted by a vision
The walk along this lonely road only makes
Fulfillment at the end of the journey sweeter

Thanks Tecoyah - It's so easy to be inspired when surrounded by other great writers, yourself included :)

WOW! Your work is so impressive. Another thread I often enjoy reading. :D

A sun shines, fresh air they want to meet
It was only supposed to be a short walk
a show shuffle dance of cane and feet
Back home again to find the door locked

No memory of the act and a key misplaced
So again they settle down a while to wait
A trip back in time to a day they both faced
A kiss, a ring, and a promise seal their fate

A neighbor passing by smiles at the pair
It's not the first time they've been in view
As often in love as in each other's hair
But of these time tested, there are so few


____________________________________________


It was time to say goodbye to the reminders that refused to let the memories fade. It was supposed to only be a piece of furniture, not the embodiment of her years of suffering. Like the drawer she kept locked, herself the sole possessor of the key, she had slowly pulled away and hidden from public view the parts of her that felt alive. She could mentally picture everything in that special drawer... the ribbon that bound her ear-worn "Leaves of Grass", that single picture of baby Michael before he died shortly after birth, the dried petals that spoke of a marriage that was once the center of her universe. And just like the flower, their passion had shriveled up with time, now that Tom married to his job as well as her. The only things that brought a smile to his face now were the stock gains and news from the office of the next business trip or challenge.

As she watched them load up the armoire in the back of a moving van and handed the key to the newlywed couple who had answered the ad, a single, solitary tear escaped and rolled halfway down her cheek before her hand hastily wiped it away, her mind silently scolding. Tom had gotten the armoire in his bachelor days, and it had never been hers, except for that single drawer she had used when she discovered the key. After remodeling to make their home "presentable", the armoire had been out of place, and Tom's suggestion to sell was met with half hearted agreement. Hugging the box that held the contents of that drawer, she took one last glance of the place she had called home. The entryway table with the propped envelope, a single sheet inside with " It's time to let me go." No signature, no date, just that delicate handwriting that had once written lovers letters as they waited in anticipation across the miles for that day to say "I Do". Shutting the door softly, she turned and began the journey down the road, her life defined by the contents of a single cardboard shoebox.

Winds of time blow shifting sand
Ages to slowly wear away stone
A cluster together seems to protect
Yet for the final journey each is alone

A pebble in the shoe not enough to deter
In fact for some it acts as spur for action
Why should the momentum of the stride
Be broken by a nuisance to shallow fashion?



************************************

My mind wanders alone tonight
no companions walk these empty halls
doors shut to empty rooms, or memories
held behind lock and key against vain
struggles to free the past to gain a future
tricks of light flash beyond the doors
an empty promise of completeness
to be holding the keys for doors
which cannot be unlocked

I Am

I am all the pieces of experience
made perfectly unique to fit my form
Hands that never grew much bigger
than those paint covered handprints
for years hanging proudly on the wall
Limbs covered in faded scars tell stories
Of the scrapes and falls along the way
Of steps landing as if in place of daylight
An infinity of night unilluminated met eyes
Drinking in foreign worlds of spoken tongues
An incomplete duality of sound and silence
Echos of a memory linger teasing of a life
That could be have been, if only one less
Piece of the puzzle had not fallen into place
But the borderframe complete, now it's time
Fit the pieces of life inside to discover what lies
Each new edge bringing continous evolution
Which only ends with the last piece bindingly fit

Such an ethereal essence in your poetry. I can't generally engage with poetry about love or life...but your last few are just too poetic to dislike.

'Drinking in foreign worlds of spoken tongues
An incomplete duality of sound and silence'-this is my favourite two lines, incidentally.

Glad you enjoy, Vonstalhein :)



Barren Spring

Out across empty barren plains
the spring wind rolls on through
sparse growths of green resist
small clusters of wildflowers
brilliant hues of dancing color
distance seperating enough
each more vibrant to view
no competition for canvas

A burn so deep the pains remain
Long after the blister's healed
Once invaded, you feel insane
Not sure if a fate's been sealed
To face inner demons leaves exposed
Your castle of defense, a single escape
Emotions paint a serene face uncomposed
To surrender, across the door white will drape


_________________________________

the hardest lies to break are those to yourself
that love must have only a solitary meaning
when really love is a wave rolling through
and like the wind, can be a storm or a breeze
but love always leaves a warmth to be shared
by all those who let themselves be mesmerized

Absolutely beautiful Monkie......You can feel the inspiration coming through.

Thank you

The world once lay in shambles
because disbelief so firmly ruled
No time or place for simple pleasures
Which so often add the spice of life
Changes so subtle, oft went undetected
until the world had again been raised
and in the midst of it, a beauty beyond
shaped slowly yet surely, and it is time
to trust the steady reflection gazing back
the mirror of love knows no lies, so truth
will be the key to set you finally free

Thanks Tecoyah .... truly words from the heart :)

Amazing how the paradigm shifts
as new demensions are created
All of what you think you know
given a breath of revitalization
Maybe still spinning in circles
but somewhere it will slow
A brief glimpse of heaven seen
before back on your way you go

in the quiet behind my eyes
my fingertips trace in darkness
laugh lines gently creasing across
a smile warmly greets my touch
upon my fingertips a gentle kiss
bated breath softly blows across
even in darkness my fingers know
the face of that whom is loved

--------------

Sometimes life doesn't roll just the way you like
so youre left rolling with the stars
until there's a meeting of the ways
to find their miraculous way home.

Oh how lucky the blind may be
whose eyes can seek and find
burning truth in the wrong direction
some words who on a deaf ear fall
Smiles escape the eyes and shout
Honesty a casuality in the mind's war

Ashley sighed as she leaned against the sturdy tree, possibly for the last time. Dad had gotten a new job, and it was time to move into the city. Away from the house she was born in, away from the small creek that ran across the edge of their property. Already she could hear the last shouts of the moving van as the workers loaded and and the first truck pulled away. She didn't have much time before her mom came looking for her, meaning it really wasn't all just a bad dream she would wake up from.

The soft grass under her feet slightly tickled her legs, and she could feel the aged knots in the tree truck that were pressing against her back. For as long as she could remember, this had been HER tree. She'd discovered the little hole the knot left years ago, and it had been her hiding place for countless precious things she wanted to keep away from her older brothers.

Idly playing with the wildflowers at her feet while listening to the soft birds calling, she took the ribbon she'd found out of her pocket and tied the flowers together. She wondered if the family moving into their house had kids, and if they'd find all the hiding spots she and her brothers had used over the years. Maybe one of them would find this tree and hide things of their own. The small colorful bouquet in her hand was just the size of the hole, Ashley discovered. She wasn't sure what was out there, but decided to hide it in the trunk just in case. If one of the kids did find the tree, maybe they'd see the bouquet and realize it was a special tree.

When her hands were empty, Ashley could see the top of her mother's blond head bobbing in and out of the trees. With a sigh and a last look around, she walked toward the car, to her new life.

When it's time to face the music
Sometimes the jukebox plays
A dance that's meant for only one
Hoping to choose and skip, but
Empty pockets hide no quarters
Missing the caressing spotlight
The strong and guiding hands
Standing on your own two feet
means sometimes you dance alone

Even the mighty will stumble
and their fall will echo the earth
the invisible fence to freedom bent
spirits once soaring like flowing manes
caged and confined in broken bodies
fighting to once again be fully freed
To watch the measure crumble swiftly
and wonder how again you'll stand

To stop being the fool
A twist of real reality
the magnifying glass
held in a different hand
No longer run or hide
Time to face the music
sooner or later all ends
And the dreams stopped
maybe begin once again

To see the pain as real
wipe away the tears fallen
tender touch of loving hands
The pain can't be diminished
yet the comforting presence
that reminds a light is waiting
makes the burning trickles
softly laced with tiny smiles
find a place in the the circle
flowing into the act of living
the fullest only felt in pain

Tears fall more slowly now
the tissues tossed aside
The day I realized grown up
is more than just an age
All the trust placed on one
hiding humanity in greatness
the dearest dream humble
to love more than love itself
and push the heart to light

It's my own fault
for loving too much
breaking my heart so
it seems beyond repair
yet I know no other way
to let myself fully be
without dying of heartbreak
the way we're meant to be

I am amazed....truly.

I have always loved the way you write, and to see the pain in these gives me mixed emotion. One feeling happiness in the obvious growth, and another saddness at the need to feel such torment.

Well done Monkie.