***

Waking up in the morning

and the day takes my hand

No rushing

Just calm

A friend with things planned

Put on stay-at-home clothes

some casual sandals

Follow steep stairs holding

the railing’s smooth handles

Everyday routine

pulls me into the yard

The sun still seems shy

and Clouds stay on guard

*

Beyond dewy branches

Her vision loyally glows

Looking through me and to me

with everything that she knows

I did not once forget her sight

As I entered the night

And if clouds should stay

She will be bright anyway

She is not shy of me

She just always is free

and That’s the way it should be

Happily

*

Ferocious like an alarm clock

Yet friendly as hot coffee

The day takes firm hold of me

Dark hues of fine brews wafting

I pour two full cups

put creamer in one

Open curtains and blinds

Then soothed by the sun

The kind day reels me in

A fine way to begin

Now find a way to win

So I share a grin

*

Breakfast is essential

Most important meal of the day

and This day has potential

In more words than I can say

With good mood and food

We graciously fill

There’s flowers on the table

By the window sill

I see them still

When I do the dishes

(As in daily wishes)

and Stand on guard

With no holds barred

This day I bet

will surely get

far more delicious still

*

Huge challenge or small chore

Before we can enjoy these days

Find the right frame of mind

To get through

Absolutely any phase

The bitter fight we face

Can fade if we attain our needs

These times we’re given Hope

In care and strength

A good day exceeds

With her voice

Our patience leads

*

The kitchen is clean

As it has ever been

Lint off kid’s jeans I preen

Fill the washing machine

Now the laundry is on

and recycling gone

I work on my chores

As the vacuum roars

(Now cats scramble hard core

across a newly swept floor)

Home I pick up and tidy

My time more than biding

*

Though for hours

Our faces hiding

Accomplishments are

Now presiding

What we completed

in the morning

Arrives with kindness and fair warning

Now we approach a fine midday

Major projects underway

Look for new work

Paint a room

Build our future

Nearly noon

Hope is for sure

Like a favourite tune!

*

Electric lunchtime

with my stereo blaring

On inspiration

Music never sparing

In a mood for

Rhythmic heights I crave

and Tasty leftovers

Nuked in the microwave

Elevated by sounds

Can’t get any hotter

Sun pounds the table

I drink ice water

Day’s warm shiny melody

Fell on me and I caught her

*

Stress release

Savouring

Heated words of a song

Now a tasty guitar break

How can that be wrong?

Strum along

Play the lead

Acoustic

all I need

My world listens to me

And her motions I read

Now she tells me

“Time to get back to work”

I bow to her

Logic pure

The groovy lunch was a perk

And I am no jerk

*

More than song choice to be made

in this early afternoon

Do I polish off nuisance chores

As our morning-coat is strewn?

Or challenge the stars

To impact the Earth?

Day still guides my hand

Her world and sky

All it’s worth

Together we make accurate estimations

and Set our sights on immaculate destinations

*

That very moment

We went to go for a walk

The skies opened up

Hard rain started to rock

Our guessed destiny

turned out stationary

Crank the tunes back up

In a sophisticated library

Work on Art and Science

Effort never stops

When the music’s over

Listen to rapid rain drops

A sound nothing tops

*

Yesterday’s season

Similar to today

but still keeps changing

as we make our way

While sun lights up life

Trees show us the path

Like buildings to sidewalks

These guides do our math

Natural structures frame our choice

To get through we need

Vision and Voice to share our world

and we need to agree

and with

New

Moments

Rejoice

*

Enduring pain

More than before

The day at work

We can’t ignore

These days are here now

NOT evermore

Make a stand

With a faithful plan

*

So we reach for the dollar

No matter what we do

We always have a wall here

That we have to break through

The anguish and injury

Seems so unfair

Is anyone aware?

*

Society that holds others back

Must be kept in check

While we get life on track

with the world that we elect

Help the Days to care

So life can be repaired

As we all learn to share

And to be more aware

Disparity is a fact

Let opposites attract!

*

Hold on to what we love

Push forward with our grace

And for what we need and lack

Work hard to make a case

and Everyone should save face

Make a pact for this place

Like

Make sure we can ALL keep pace…

*

Returning from our walk

We meander back home

We talk cheerfully

I recite music in a poem

Invigorated now

We let go of hands

As the door opens

We hold on to romance

Anticipating

Children waiting

We all care for constant needs

with no debating

Or overrating

We make a meal that feeds

and So the day proceeds

We take each other’s leads

Everyone Does Good Deeds!

*

A parade to the food dish

Children and chickens first in line

Hamsters and guinea pigs

From the kitchen they fine dine

A dash to the bowl

For the cats and dogs

Drop more food off for

Goldfish and dwarf frogs

Then the tough teens are hungry again

Nothing can stop the daily feed train

For life we sustain

I can’t complain!

*

Dinnertime and

We Live to Eat well

We have what we need here

and Stories to tell

The struggle is real

Splurge on nice meals

a Healthy choice today

Comfort food helps us heal

With a “Cheers” to be kind

Remind and Unwind us

The days grace and peace

Sometimes will find us

If not too demanding

Simply outstanding

*

Time to spare

Seems unlikely

Yet with care

We are mighty

Watch TV or do some writing

Still some chores may seem inviting

A brand new puzzle or best game

Raise our spirits if it’s just the same

I’ll say goodnight to the day’s last fame

And greet dark skies

The stars lay claim

Still in my heart always

Is the day’s

Eternal

Amazing

Flame

*

Meals are done

like the day

Setting sun

down to lay

Night won’t shun

Words I say

So for fun

On our way

Poem run

Last sun ray

and As one

Work and play

Peace is won

We all pray

Carry a tonne

and We pay

Now at last

Rest we may

Tomorrow

Will be

More than Okay

Another

Stunning

Day

*

All

The

Way

*

The day holds my hand

***

**

Cackling in the back of my penthouse suite closet

What I thought was a skeleton is my potential future-ghost

Shaking for medicine that must be taken now

I would like to pause it

I want a cure most

Will the present mask come off,

Reveal beauty infinite

or will it carve the future

getting so close?

*

Heckled by attendees of a courthouse for my whole life

As the judge beckoned me, I made an offhand boast

Question of sanity must be taken now

I’d like the chance to answer

In the spirit of the host

Will this disaster end

As we adapt to it?

How do we chart the future?

I guess no one knows

**

Then I heard a voice from inside my skull

The others heard it too and then there was a lull

The family carries on

This guy’s hard to the core

“I am right here, who are you looking for?”

The crowd moves away, the calm man was outrageous

“They don’t hear me” and I began to count my pages

*

Sifting through years, memories, goals and plans

Night started early and the moon understands

I sat back in my seat and reflected on the day

The tides of life are changing, plans must get underway

I scrolled and scrolled, “There is nothing here”

I cleared my throat loudly and began to fear

*

In words coming next

too hard to debunk all

Thought it made sense

to call my old uncle

He listens to me

But won’t see the whole story

Who I may need to talk to

is a guy that ain’t sorry

Once a friend of mine

now just seems sinister

May need an exorcist or

Just a Xmas-time minister

*

They said I need faith

and good sanitizer

I keep my chin up

Don a mask and seek advisors

Most I find from my chair

With my hand-held office

And avoid anyone

Who asks what this cough is

I sat and felt stressed

But couldn’t get any bolder

Heard a whisper in the dark

Felt a tap on my shoulder…

*

It was all I could do

To not scream out loud

The past was awakening

Vehemently proud

First thing I thought is

Maybe it was our cat

But he was on the floor beside me

And not at my back

The whistling wind

Turned into a chorus

As I’d fallen asleep

Dreams wouldn’t ignore us

*

“You’re nothing!

A flake,

A washed-up electrician!”

A voice was seething

Up rose his apparition

“Remember those years

When we laughed together?”

“Yes” I said frankly,

“and all the bad weather”

Behind my back

He had laughed and stole love

His face faded in the window

As rain fell from above

**

The cat knocked a vase off our farm-house dining table

When he saw the dark reflection of the passing ghost

Pressure manipulating is forgotten now

I had to catch it

Oh… so close

Will common sense reach him

For safety specific?

We need it for the future

At this time the most

*

Tracking mud from the floor of her doghouse,

Lucy has free reign

Sweet canine has more luxury than she needs

almost

Not much for etiquette

It’s eats at me now

And so I blurt out

What I think we need most

Will we keep good distance

Reveal faith incarnate

Or charge to the future

Getting too close?

**

Then she starts barking and rattles my skull

Neighbours hear it too

It’s inescapable

She follows me inside with no clear boundaries

I go upstairs & hide

“Quiet! Calm down please”

Then we are fine

On the couch just her and me

A quick belly rub

Now she’s nice as can be

*

Sifting thru pages

and trying to share words

Lucy asleep, I hear pure tones, divine birds

Charming racket of a kind crow

for fall leaves we grieve

Cool mood in the room as I

Write and believe

I lay back for a second in my rotating chair

Of an unearthly presence I become aware!

*

Television crackles

My hands on the screen

A voice speaks clearly

Blasts out of a dream

It was the news host talking

directly to me,

“You must help save the world

It’s hurting… come see!”

I see people suffering across the earth

It drags me down

like I’ve lost social worth

*

“You must fight the battle for everyone you know

Save the entire planet and everywhere you go

Don’t sweat the small stuff but carry the whole world

Brace us against the sun and the creeping moon curled!”

I said “I’m trying, I’m doing the best I can!”

“Not good enough

Try harder again”

*

Like the sound of a coin into

wishing-well water

The TV turned off

Fizzled and felt a bit hotter

Blinding light burst

from the face of my phone

Barely pressed the screen

And souls entered my home

My inbox explodes while

Text messages chime

Notifications pile up

I have nothing but time

*

Late bills

Spam and useless subscriptions

Tried to close them fast amid too many encryptions

A sight became present that bolstered my spirit

A message from someone that had read my lyric

Their image appeared on my screen so ephemeral

A fleeting glimpse, like it had it been here at all

**

Clucking in back of our chicken-house bird-palace

What I thought was an odd project are pets we love the most

Waking-up schedule

Much better now

Get up

Let hens out

Fresh eggs for our toast

Will Earth’s cruelty stop?

“Yes” should be implicit

With effort for the future

Kindness that we chose

*

Reeking from heaven to hell

the outhouse of this winter

Seems what we ate is attacking us

as time has quickly froze

Questions of appetite

Don’t feel quite right now

Please unpause

It’s what matters most

Will there be paper or light?

Any privacy?

For others in the future:

Consideration I propose

**

Then faith in my SUV

As I buckled for the store

Elastic scratched my skull

Safety is what it’s for

Driving down the road

Guy clearly saw the sign

Blew right thru it

And crossed the double line

We must be more safe

Follow worthy rules

Then when we look back

We won’t look like true fools

*

I was also rushing

When I was much younger

Time has shifted gears

To a responsible kind of hunger

We all need supplies and food

A reason to go out

No need to be rude

Kindness is all about

We can still be fast

But keep good sense to stay safe

Like wear a brand-new mask

(One that doesn’t chafe)

*

Closing my car door

Walked to get a buggy

For this time of year

It was feeling rather muggy

Clouds seemed to issue

From a parking-lot sewer-grate

Black shadows formed in front of me

And wouldn’t dissipate

In the next moment

Thought I was losing my mind

Soon to be sure of it

A specter was defined

*

The future’s public eyes

Red and burning through me

History of life

Like no one ever knew me

With hands like ravens’ claws

the phantom grabbed my wrist

Dragged me in to the cold wet sky

without my shopping list

Over streets and homes

Across river and valley

Fiend then dropped me off alone

in a cold and dirty alley

*

A puddle on the pavement

Showed my own reflection

Cars splashed by

I jumped back for my protection

The ghoul looked at me

I saw families torn apart

A young man looking old

pushing an empty shopping cart

Then a ghost blue van

hauled us off

no indecision

Threw us in the door

of a last-ditch forensic prison

*

There were hard cold floors, padded walls with windows barred

Dragged us to the morgue, down grim dark halls, my brain was scarred

Sobbing all our tears filled the reaper’s cup

The shroud of years established

hides parts of institutes corrupt

Fire in the shadow’s eyes

And blade of it’s sickle

Dying to get thru

Our fate is always fickle

**

Shackled for days in a big house of the future

Strap on a straight jacket in the fashion that I chose

Tying down pacifists, no one looks to me now

If there’s no cause for fear

Lets just bulldoze

Will present chains come off

If we’re complicit

Or will we weigh down our future

With a heavy dose?

*

Crackling chambers of a charnel house we all face

Where we find a skeleton we won’t always find a ghost

Our souls are independent

We may live forever

I’d like to prove it

Preparing for the post

Will we find complete calm

and consciousness infinite

Harness power for the future?

Excitement, no one knows

**

Smoke rises fast

Proud machines rumble

On shoppers’ gas fumes

Back to my vehicle I tumble

Turn the key to just get home

I have groceries for days

Made sure to put my heavy change

into the globe in the heavy haze

Vapours disappear into cold grey sky

And no Xmas shopping junk

if I don’t need to buy

*

As I’m driving home

with the stereo blasting

I thought of my daydreams

And impact everlasting

Then I heard a song

I’d known all along

And now that I was on

I wouldn’t get the lyrics wrong

It now made sense to me

Really set me free

I thought of friends and family

And visions that should be

*

Rolled into the driveway

Ready for the afternoon

In my truck I rocked out hard

to the rest of the classic tune

When my song was over

Spirit still in my head

Concentrate to remember

Exactly what was said

Walk up gravel and grass

Thought of phantom smoke

Anxious to tell my folks

“Really! It was no joke!”

*

All along the house

Garden still looks pleasant

Yes, it is off-season

Glad that it is present

Folks are not here yet

Only close family coming by

Exciting for our kids

Despite foreboding sky

Optimism can save the day

Turn grey skies to green plants

Helps people play nice

And still make sure to clean hands

*

Now we join around the table

Love has made it when it’s able

We are gathered here together

Mostly on screen or phone

But with the weather

Let’s be clever

And this way

We will never be alone

Those closest to us sitting down

Food we fixed is coming round

With our stories and our grace

We love our dreams and love this place

*

The future’s uncertain and

We influence the outcome

We share our insight for good health

No one should be without some

Follow guidelines and make our own plans

Use common sense and take our own stands

The things we wish for

will work out for the best

If we love ourselves

AND LOVE all the rest

**

Sparkling in the sun

The greenhouse of our fair world

Plants will face reckoning

In this place we should love most

Nurturing living things

Must be priority now

We need to check in

On this precious rose

We must know a champion

Of beautiful humanity

Let us find a future

Where love for life shows

****

Forget all

We can

& Learn from the moment

What does it tell?

So much

We carry

to this time

Guided by memory, perception

& Focus

We’re pushed by the past

Thrust into the present

& pulled by the future

One point in a cosmic conveyor

Still fresh

As we decide to savour the moment

Now

We all have to look up to someone

something

Most of us look to many

Tall trees stand for years and years

In these months some shed their

leaves

cones

and into the ground

piles of yellow and orange

Forgotten fruits of summer

become brown

black

and sink

Into the day

water glistening

*

We all have to look up to someone

To dream

At times there isn’t any

Society leaves us in tears and tears

In these times some live their

Fears

Unknowns

and into the night

Thrown to darkness and cold

Fall in the fight and suffer

Become numb

Die

Or reach

Ways to be saved by

Someone listening

*

We all look up to someone

something

Most of us look to many

Tall trees stand for years and years

Winter months choose their

branches

bend, break

and into the snow

Piles of dull blue and white

Nesting birds will recover

Creatures bright

Rise

And Fly

Up towards the sun

To treetops returning

*

Holding on

Life gives us a chance

Life appears different

Birds rise

colours dance

*

In days and seasons

Green leaves turn gold and spin

Bird’s eye view changes

New seasons begin

*

Holding on

Life is our chance

Life appears different

A bird turns

on a branch

Find ways and reasons

To understand

*

Just take a glance

Nature’s romance

Leaves fall down

Colours enhance

All year long

some stay green

Beauty remains

in all that is seen

*

Life is our chance

Life appears different

Dreams dance on a branch

Nature’s voice is insistent

Time stays bright above all

Forever birds call

*

My true love reflects the trees in her eyes

As long as I’ve known

These dazzling skies

Chitter chatter flocks around me

I Look in those eyes

Peace and love talk to me

As I take to the skies

*

We all look up to someone

something

Most of us look to many

Tall trees stand for years and years

🌲

Hope

Sunlight

Your voice and words

Splash down and

soothe

I would not be a cloud

hiding

Sun when we want blue

I do like to keep in warmth

Share water for plants to grow

Surprise sprouts

Even for me

Creeps to and from my sky

Impressions become blurred

I want to be perfectly clear

*

Hope

Comfort

Just food and drink

Shelter and

clothes

I would not be too proud

hiding

Love when we have woes

I do like to promote warmth

Share energy with all I do

Surprise strengths

Even for me

Discovering resources

Impressions of a word

I want to be perfectly clear

*

I aim to help

Improve today

Take it any way you like

I hope you have it your way

I think we are

All together

*

Share hope

Find hope

Share hope again

*

I know

We are

All together

*

What’s your plan?

Tell me now

Let’s get on a roll

This is how

Say it loud

We all have one goal

*

Hope

Find hope

Share hope again

*

Hope

Starlight

Your voice and words

Splash down and

soothe

I would not be a cloud

hiding

Light when we want the moon

I do like to keep warmth

Share space for people to grow

Surprise shines

Even for me

Creeps to and from my sky

Impressions of the dark

I want to be perfectly clear

Slow turning wheels of the distanced brain

Psychosis deeper in those that are sane

Footsteps… Bones are creaking… as the floor board warps

Another dimension I’m going to, when my body’s a corpse

Glowing apparition of a spiritual superstar

Ongoing metamorphosis has gotten us this far

*

Words drip off his tongue like blood from a vial

Says what’s channeled through him, he just wants you to smile

Strangest thing, they once thought he did

Was misunderstood from when he was a kid

If he spoke to the dead or worshipped the grave

They beat him down until he’d rant and rave

*

Earth splits open and spirits bellow out

Zombies from all directions when we have self-doubt

Faces in the rain like mirrors in the dark

The monster he’s become like fire from a spark

Sinister views of stigma

Trouble, a friend of mine

If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he’s Frankenstein

*

Beauty and kind energy, wilder than most

Rise and shine like the sun, one powerful ghost

From torture chambers of the deepest dungeon

A waft of salvation, for a room so pungent

Spirits climb higher to eternal life

Bonds of suffering cut free by the daily bread knife

Thread of spiders’ cut 🕷

*

Sorry, I guess ‘Normal’ has left the building

More than a ghost, a door-mouse, back with a guilt-thing

A full-on rat has crept into my head

Like the one my black cat dropped off in my bed

No tricks just treats from this creepy twit-stalker

I hope you can laugh at our zombie-walk shocker!

*

Witch’s verse was a curse, wove my crush on tombs

Mysterious life kills me fast, like poison mushrooms

Some strains take away sunshine, take me to body bags

To be resurrected, by toothless bearded hags

Then when I died in 1992, all I could say was “I love all of you”

And I still do

*

If we could put all our inner fire in one big pot and stir

I think we’d find an answer and maybe a cure

We all want to be ok inside our own skull

To me we need to reach out in ways that don’t ever get dull

Share music and poetry and honest words spoken

Both daring and caring and let no hearts be broken

*

From an open crypt, I hear the dead’s calm call

Visions and voices come from a handheld crystal ball

Vampire sighs when we see our reflection

October frost on our breath and mystic protection

Werewolves watch over us and creepy clowns cower

Halloween Eve, we break through unholy power

Seasons change

Shiny familiar faces

Fall away

Not gone

But instead feeding the future

Breaking down and touching the roots of our

Winter days

Ice of

Our feelings

Loss of

Yesterday’s frost

Makes way for calm sleep

To dream in peace

(save the rustling wind)

and

Wake up rejuvenated again

*

Feelings true

Kind and resilient faces

Here anew

Not lost

But rather healing for the future

Breaking thru and touching roots of our

Soul and fate

Haste in

Our feelings

Tests of

The day’s pressure

Gives way to calm deeds

To dream of peace

Get caught up in the wind

and

Soar until we are strong again

*

There is no match for our feelings

Words fail

Empathy strives to catch up

Seasons forever change

Yet understanding grows

Connection

Keeping pace

Compassion

The utmost joy shared together

Or worst suffering

We fight to get hold of

and

Kindly remove hurt like roots of an invasive weed

and shake the dirt free

*

Petals drop

Vibrant pleasant faces

Wash away

At no cost

Freely drifting to the future

Breaking clean yet known in roots of

Timeless days

Easing

Feelings of

Loss of

The inevitable frost

Makes way for memories

To dream for peace

Embrace the refreshing wind

And

Stay true to the changing seasons

I’ve been uncertain

Just now being heard

It often takes more than

a calm, agreeing word

With all our

Endless

Individual needs

Sometimes we can’t help

biting the hand that feeds

*

We wait and wait for the offering to come down

No surprise that we’re chomping at what comes around

*

Shout an offhand remark

Fast as a ‘Yelp’

My loud incessant bark

Bared teeth asking for help

Life’s not a walk in the park

I’m here to protect

If I bite a hand that feeds

It’s by accident

*

At times I leap at an empty hand

Or a fist flying past again

If I bite hands that feed

It’s instinct right then

*

I’m not still hurting

Just got word and

We can work it out

*

A kind voice firmly heard

With all our

Vast

Individual needs

Give us trust and we won’t bite a hand that feeds

*

I’ll try not to leap at an empty hand

But let it fill up

and come back again

*

I’ll try to wait

so patiently

And let you know

If you missed me

*

Shout an offhand remark

Fast as a ‘Yelp’

My loud incessant bark

Bared teeth asking for help

Life’s not a walk in the park

But I’m here to protect

If I bite a hand that feeds

It’s by accident

*

At times I leap at a reaching hand

Or a foot kicking past again

If I bite out of need

It’s instinct right then

Nothing I can do

Nothing I can say

Can take the pain away

Today

No matter how I try

Even if I cry

Some things I just can’t change

*

Every day we work to make a dollar

Still we don’t make enough

I work hard in every way

So I can fight

for what’s right

Isn’t that enough?

In this life

Today

*

Where’s the peace we all want?

Wrapped up in individual needs?

So much conflict for what we insist is ours

Can’t we get the things we deserve without greed?

Are they locked up in our head?

So much we think we want and need

Why can’t we settle for what’s best?

Life for us

because we’re together

indeed

*

Let’s see that

Let’s talk it out

Let’s change the world

*

Only what I do

Only what I say

Can take the pain away today

It matters how I try

Just make the plans fly

Some things we have to change

Why should we have to make a dollar?

So long as we work together

I work hard in every way

And I fight

For what’s right

Isn’t that enough?

If baying at the moon

Or playing our best tune

Good spoken word all day

And absolutely every morning

I will embrace the sky

Though people wonder why

And the sky holds me tight

Without scorning

I have done the same

Life surely is a game

Sportsmanship and Ethics are the core thing

Fair play

*

If praying for peace soon

Or playing our best tune

For tokens good all day

And absolutely every weekend

I will embrace the sky

A vision for the eye

And the sky holds me tight

As I am peeking

You have done the same

Life is more than just a game

Peace, good will and comfort we are seeking

*

Fair’s fair

I don’t care

What the cheating kind say

How can you draw blood from a stone

Or make a broke person pay?

Fair’s fair

Be aware

With your riches, think it’s funny

How can you leave millions alone

When you’ve got all that money?

Face the facts top hats

Fair play is the name of the game

*

I’m trying to avoid ruin

By playing my best tune

No joking, that’s my way

absolutely makes my life deep and

I will embrace the sky

Until the day I die

And the sky holds me tight

Without speaking

You have done the same

Taken a break from the game

But kindness and what’s right are never sleeping

*As a note, I’ve been skydiving eleven times and engaged in some amazing cliff jumping, but would never recommend these activities for others. They were thrilling for me and skydiving is so peaceful when your chute is open; The whole world as far as the eye can see becomes vivid and vibrant, at your touch, yet far below. I survived in one piece. This is the song:

I’m falling from the skies

Won’t be criticized

Try to find the truth

And for days we’re hypnotized

*

Everything is what it seems to be

We are what we want and need

Moments are deeper than the sea

*

Underneath we face the day

On the surface be okay

Everybody breathe so peacefully

Everybody breathe

*

I’m hanging from a thread

Not better off dead

Think about tomorrow

And ways to get ahead

*

Be calm, the future’s every day

Let the moment be ok

Everybody breathe as is we’re free :||

*

Everything is what it seems to be

We are what we want and need

Moments are deeper when we’re free

Breathe

*

I’m diving off a cliff

Like a wicked guitar riff

Fighting for our life

And what we can do for it

*

Our life is only here today

Have fun, work hard to be okay

Everybody breathe

Just breathe.

 

Soft are the petals, bright are the stars

‪Fast is the wind, cooler than cars

‪Earth spins on axles, real and imagined

‪Stars fade in morning, ideas will hatch then

‪Love is like metal, glows like pure gold

‪Chrome shines in sun, glistening yet cold

Hot are the kettles of stories untold

 

Silk of butterfly’s bright neon light

Drifting like dew onto leaves after night

Swift is the sun and hotter than Hell

Fierce as a storm, our stories to tell

Peace is like blue sky or safe in the fold

In town or country, both young and old

Fresh is emotion, Hidden or Bold

 

Subtle the sunset that seals off the day

Visions of dark night well underway

Slow in the moment our anxious thoughts crawl

Strong as an angel, love arrives before all

Into forever, years grasp and hold

Optimism meets light, faith can’t be sold

Respect for our world and life rock & rolled

 

Depth to the depth

When shallow I’m hollow

A breath in and out

Time moves and I follow

Then in the West

We call out Apollo

His best must be left

In grooves that we follow

 

Daybreak has all of the plans

At night dreams start all over again

Lighting the way

Everyday

A test to the test

In fire I wallow

 

A splash of wisdom

A dash of defiance

I aim to be close to

Established compliance

I can’t complain

but we do need change

To challenge the system

And set a new stage

 

So today

I buck history

Mine and the world’s

Try to redesign meaning

Of words we’ve unfurled

Bright ideas, dark days

My optimism is pure

Work and believing

 

Confess to the rest

When shallow we’re hollow

A breath in and out

Success proves how to follow

Guessed to be best

The world shouts a loud call-out

The rest must be blessed

In grooves that we follow

 

Daybreak has all of the plans

At night dreams start all over again

At the height of day

I work and pray

Success at the test

In fire I wallow

 

Smoke is rising

Flames are twisting

I waver like a leaf in the heated breeze

No surprise

I’m resisting

To get past pain and find progress beneath

 

Our future is uncertain

and alternates positions

Staying strong in only one:

A stem of

Cool and calm visions

 

I got raised by the sunshine,

What I complain about

ain’t the same to me anymore,

 

Got cloudy days that must suffice,

What they say is right

might not be the same to me tomorrow,

 

Live today and love the moment

Soak in sunshine as it cures you,

 

Live today and love the moment

Soak in sunshine as it guides you,

 

Then hit the heights as the tension mounts,

The desert days are high and dry,

It may be cold at night

but hot as hell for me tomorrow,

 

The winter rains are cold as ice,

But the fire inside

Will be the same to me forever more,

 

Live today and sense the changes

Feel the pain and then stop the pounding,

 

Live today and sense the changes

Taste the rain as it soaks and bounces,

 

Live today and work for progress

Then hit the heights as the tension mounts,

Make the most of life:

Always

The sun rises,

 

One time to burn

One time to heal

One time to learn

One time to feel

Make your move when it counts

Embrace the moment while the tension mounts

 

Pathways

 

Ever-present desire to succeed and challenge,

Fragments of time hang on the nervous door hinge,

In the skies there is a fiery orange,

In the brain, in the mood, in the path,

*

Consequential change of the integrated feeling,

Brings a far-fetched mood that sends me reeling,

Enduring trance set by the cosmic dealing,

Just from proof, of a move, in the path,

*

In the rising travel to find what dreams yield,

Synchronicity is uplifting, (a plain thing)

In the vast expanse of this energy field,

The ground is ever-shifting:

*

Shifting shapes in the rain, rising up to the sky,

Misty memory reflects all that you think,

And I think if I fall I will surely:

Dive deeper, into this massive mental landscape,

.*

Border dreams, real as rock,

Where’s the path?

Gridlock,

Shaking heads, shaking thoughts,

Can’t get through gridlock

Gridlock

*

Saturate the idol with a figment of power,

And you will find a fate-changing flower,

Iridescent lights in the sixty-watt shower,

Creating strength, in the groove, in the path,

*

Confirmation of an intriguing notion,

Visions that lure an unreal emotion,

Diligent work spent on devotion,

Such a waste, fail to cross, to a new path,

*

In minute thoughts we process and explore,

Infinite possibilities passing,

With immaculate balance I reach for the door,

But still I find myself grasping:

*

Grasping leaves as I run, as fast as I am free,

Factual forest, reflects all that you think,

And I think if I fall I will surely

Dive deeper, into these firmly grounded beliefs,

*

Waking dreams, real as rock

There’s the path:

Gridlock,

Shaking hands – shake in shock,

Must get through:

Gridlock,

Peace of mind from lucid talk,

Flowing through

Gridlock

Gridlock.

Delve deep into the sunrise,

Not far from now the night dies,

Suppressing nothing the mind finds,

And yesterday falls behind,

Stretching out into memories,

Archived for the next day I need,

Or ever more:

The sunshine’s freed,

Delicious day,

Desirable,

Divine,

And only for a few moments it might unwind,

The seconds when I’m uncertain in time,

An anxious moment, and I’m dead in my tracks,

 

Without you, I’m dead in my tracks,

 

Diving down into a frown, I fall all the way down,

Without your light, or dreams at night,

I can’t get around and I’m dead in my tracks,

 

Confidence returns, when I face the facts,

Anxiety fades, and good health comes back,

Peace of mind comes from love of life,

I learn to relax,

 

I breathe through the mountains and their forest trees,

I peer through the skies and feel through the seas,

I clamber through the attic built up in my mind,

And run electrical wire through visions that I find,

Coursing through my brains are my future plans,

In my pounding heart, my love of life sure stands,

Even though I feel humble, I still sweat certain pride,

I buzz with energy, that I can never hide,

 

Somewhat off or simple, this demeanor might seem,

All I really want is human harmony to stream,

If we find fairness in the rivers, instead of social stress,

We can climb the banks, and leave this muddy mess,

Chip away at brilliance, find knowledge on the run,

Rise through the valleys, reach into the sun,

Pull down meaningful faith, and media to trust,

Equality on the earth, and peace that is robust,

 

Voice like a volcano, the internet explodes,

Sometimes my screen glows happily, sometimes woe it bodes,

Silent snow-capped peaks in the dead of summer,

Yet fiery flames spewing, if winter has your number,

Identity comes from how we live and learn,

If our resolution is a rock, it will never burn,

For our hard world to survive, we must pool all our forces,

To protect all good lives, we must fairly share resources,

 

Confidence in peace can get us through each day,

Optimism flows when we climb up all the way,

Get past setbacks, escape the traps we trip,

When we endure, we find the cure, our faith sharp as a whip,

Be true to all we love, forge strength to do what’s right,

Don’t get lost in dreams, past the edge of night,

Got to dig the sunrise, have hope and trust ourselves,

With a confident outlook, our progress deeper delves

Awareness of Nature:  Camping in British Columbia – To Get Away

***

Work and stress can give life a frantic feel,

The fever and fret may seem way too real,

I look up to clouds, with my breath falling,

The wind is whistling, weekend-off calling,

Rain burst slants sideways, person’s proud chest sags,

I run above ground, home to pack my bags,

It’s all been planned out – we leave right at five,

We deserve this chance, want to feel alive,

More than a robot, an ordered machine,

This free soul living, a sentient being,

So many days torn, between now and then,

When I get away, won’t get trapped again,

Slowly we pull free from the parking stall,

And we won’t look back, all we need – we haul,

We are on our way, up into the hills,

To camp in the wild, Canadian thrills,

***

Cool cascading falls, rock’s ages shaped sheer,

Trees towering tall, cradle all life here,

Down way far below, on the forest floor,

Miracles abound, a dream scene and much more,

Mossy stumps and ferns, mushrooms hide tree sprites,

Creatures crawl from logs, cold clear creek invites,

Birds sing melodies, both ancient and new,

Grace us for moments, then gone as on cue,

Stunning green playing-field, setting so divine,

True breath of fresh air, no hotel is as fine,

The carpet – softer, on this floor I stand,

This music – sweeter, than a big town band,

Colours dazzle here – more than neon lights,

More intrigue excites, in these forest nights,

My love and I here, cool kids in their tent,

Now our time is free, and the day has been spent,

***

Awake to morning, no alarm to face,

No rushing traffic, no daily rat race,

Rainbows shine in dew, on webs, twigs and grass,

Coffee brewed on flame, of the campfire blasts,

Sitting on camp chairs, no straining muscles,

No aloof boss shouts, while our team hustles,

Instead a squirrel chirps, saying that we’re here,

So we share some nuts, over lunch: pop or beer,

As the day heats up, need not sweat it out,

We head to the lake – good times are about,

Before leaving site, we first douse the fire,

We pack some food tight, guitar to inspire,

The sun follows us, a friend – not a master,

Beneath our feet: mulch, helps us hike faster,

But no rush today, no hypocrite’s whip,

We are far from that, on this camping trip,

***

Climbing through branches, brave greens bless my brow,

Beyond that – sparks gold, lake shining bright now,

Clear to the bottom, aqua shades in glass,

Sand-shores diving deep, mountains sink far past,

Glaciers chiseled time, eons made this place,

This instant is pure, as today keeps pace,

Trees border the lake, hot sun gives this life,

Still: clouds, moon, and stars, fetch glory from strife,

In this fine daytime, greatness comes from love,

All part of nature, some comes from above,

The robin-egg blue, or black with white light,

The feeling we have, can come day or night,

Cool, smooth and flowing, not out on a limb,

We splash down today, get in for a swim,

Floating, paddling, immersed in a dream,

Carried back to camp, by the last sun beam,

***

Final night we pack by crackling fire,

Telling tall stories, as flames twist higher,

An owl reminds us, we are not alone,

Within these late moments, we’ll never go home,

Impression that lasts, we laugh, feast and drink,

Echoing voices, in nature we think,

The crickets and frogs, seem to always know,

Just when we arrive, and when we will go,

Join with their wisdom, their sound mixed with ours,

To keep it simple, here under the stars,

Aware of presence, with no lasting stress,

Just singing again, true needs and no less,

But really we too, feel complex footsteps,

Out in the forest, this reflex is kept,

Sacred harmony, so surely time tells,

True tests of nature, there is nothing else

 

By Mike Scott 09/15

 

Absolute Madness (2012)

The earth is quaking, waking – you’re faking passion until you make your next dollar,

Don’t delete the last note written in amassed gold, that must be as pure as the finest icy waters,

Your worth is estimated, the trap is baited – Some time unravels until the next catch is made,

 

You play it so fast – It lasts, with no disregard for the social relevance,

Born hypocrite, slow fits are taking over my persistence in sincere elements,

Can’t stop the battle, it rattles and the echoes could drive you insane,

 

Where you travel never was:

Forgotten in emotion,

You’ve found a new mood, a goal too,

Nothing will ever be the same,

~

There is a good route, its absolute,

It could be like it never was,

Found where you never traveled:

Now you’re lost in emotion,

Nothing will ever be the same,

Or will it?

 

The beast is waiting, baiting, no gate for the equine – you could be on the next course,

Growing your wings fast, you will soon sing past the forgiven time when you had to do all their chores,

The feasting is tasty, in the sky a pastry, there’s absolutely no reason not to sink through the clouds,

 

Wash your plate clean, fate seen – mop the mess you have made with the shirt off your back,

Do not leave a new stain, or be seen in pain, wipe up traces of your ungodly red dirt fast,

You are only mortal, there is the portal – you will feel better if you learn to forget

Or will you?

 

The god is tidy the shore is hiding, underneath the majestic moon way above,

The love has a pride and the mood is riding, you are aware your friends have not yet been late,

If you should ever fall, just recall: it’s the absolute madness that we have all made

 

You won’t know what you’ve got until you get inside,

No, you won’t know a thing until you’ve been and tried,

Wake up into our eternal home,

We’re on our own, but not alone,

 

You won’t know what you’ve got until you get inside,

No, you won’t know a thing until you’ve been and tried,

Wake up into the great unknown,

Thoughts are the wealth, found all alone,

 

Eyes looking at me like they know something,

Looking at me with some kind of offering,

Wise and kind guide may take your hand,

Present a solution, save all of this land,

 

Conceive it, if you can,

Believe in, a master plan,

Conceive it, it has all been planned,

Understand,

 

Look to the skies above, the clouds are boiling,

If God’s looking down, why are we still toiling?

Wake up into our eternal home,

Into this place we all are thrown,

 

The fair earth is below and the weather’s rising,

We need rest, it is so compromising,

Walking through thoughts made of stone,

The energy within us, seldom shown,

 

You’re looking at me as if I’m insane,

You can’t be right, and I can’t explain,

Try hard, real hard, to figure things out,

Feelings bottle up, think away doubt,

(A little spirit)

 

What are you looking for?

Find it right outside your mind’s back door,

 

What are you looking for?

Find it right outside my mind’s back door,

 

The fair earth is below, media hypnotizing,

We crave the sun, it’s not surprising,

Walking through thought, we must atone,

The energy within us waits to be shown . . .

Follow inside into insight

I want to emphasize a point in maintaining optimism and not falling into despair. Part of this is about learning to harness the power of the future, and of possible future joy. As I mentioned, joy may be extremely rare, coming up – once in a blue moon… but this is all in perspective. Joy can be as simple as a conversation with a friend or a feeling of peace in art or beauty. It is often necessary to endure situations until we get to the next contented moment, and find that next joy. In some cases mindfulness may be best set on the future, with reminders from the past of what is good, and what we can expect. I pray that we all have something, however simple and temporary that we can look forward to: a drink to quench our thirst, a vision to behold, or the conversation of a friend or family to look forward to. Even our own creativity and thought can help keep us find content. It is important to persevere till we get to that moment. Enjoy the present, but if that is not possible, there is still something ahead that makes endurance worth waiting for.

The following poem was written in the mid to late nineties. My recent conversation brings me back to it.

Days

Got to choose your next move,
Got to do what you think
Is really going to make a difference,
In your little world,

Plush carpets and amber lights,
A ride that’s free in many ways,
Cushions on a couch save me,
Living hell for many days,
Long days,
How did I pass my time today,

Hard cold floors and bright lights,
My mind is cool most always.
Patterns on the walls they change,
In never-ending hallways,
Fall days,
How can I pass my time this way?
Anyways,

I’m climbing through. I’m climbing out,
It’s only me, just with everything else,
My soul within everything else,

Got to groove as you proceed,
Got to do what you think
Is really going to take you all the way,
To the next contented moment,

Tight with my fretful friend,
Fingers dance on steel to play,
Notes will tell the mood of life,
Come back for another day,
Any day,
How can we pass our time today?

Sitting on groves of green grass,
Trying to cure the grey day,
My blood thirst for red wine,
Just to pass the night away,
Far away,
How did I pass my time today?

Climbing free, climbing out,
It’s just me, with everyone else,
We’re so close to climbing out,
It is only work, forget everything else,
The soul without everything else,

Change of pace and growing old,
Forget about the distant days,
Still need to understand the soul,
And have something good to say,
Every day,
How did you pass your time today?

Finally free, finally out,
The soul is one and everything else,

Finally free, finally out,
The soul is one just with everything else!

***

The conclusion is a bit finite, but I really feel that it is whole. You need to have something good to say about every day: My couch was comfortable, patterns on the wall were interesting, and in my case, I played guitar. I recommend hobbies and mindfulness in simple pleasure that one can draw on in times when it is difficult to easily endure. It is important to be aware of potential joy as we are experiencing it. It is also necessary in times of stress, as a means of coping: to remember that there are always other moments to look forward to, sometimes just by looking inside.