Just Keep Swimming

This is him a flood in his head,

Sometimes defeated, cold, and unfed.

A photo, a book, a lost wedding ring,

Among heaps of rubble and found precious things.

It’s raining it’s pouring, still in his head,

It’s dark, he's alone, and they lost their bed.

That Cajun Man tracks so much pain,

'Just keep swimming' rings in his brain.

This is true for him, her, and you,

Dark waters rose fast, his car’s a canoe.

The night when Louisiana took 22,

They weren’t in the 'zone', they had no clue.

That one fateful day, they lost everything,

It’s a wonder how they rise and sing.

How strange to see that the sun shines again,

A spark of hope for these bayou men.

Days and nights pass, and still deep he sighs,

Time lingers on and the kids wave bye-bye.

People to meet, school buses to catch,

A chill fills the air, time to light that match.

Sorrowful cries echo in his dreams,

Still unreal this story all seems.

Three words, stand strong, like a tree,

‘Just keep swimming’ he said to me.

No Service Night

Oh God, say it isn't so.
It's a no service night.
Heart pounding.
Missing conversations, missing calls, 
missing texts, missing shared prose, missing you.
It's a no service night. Oh God.
Headache, heartache, no contact, no service, sigh, no you.
Despair? No.
Service lives on within.
Turn back to solace, turn back on this dark filled night.
Look back at the light.
Light echoes through my mind
from one week ago.
Strange green neon halls, 
a pair of dancing queens, 
a diver sings a perfect song, 
a Chinese serenade – what did he say? 
We are actors in a play.
“I love you! I hate you! My baby! I hate you! 
Let's adopt! I love you again! ” So strange.
Did we disturb the singer? I fear, yes.
A magical night, so full of life, 
a scream singing lizard king., 
song dancers, reverent redemption, tequila filled flask, 
first times, and full service.
Heart recharged, spirit renewed, smile returned.
I feel your energy in green, 
if only for a moment, 
during this sweet no service night. 

Heartbeat

Funny thing the heart.
I felt it the first time he walked by me.
It felt clear and strong.
A funny strong beat.
Wanting to be near, wanting to be with you.
Today it beats again.
Felt it when you walked by me.
It felt clear and strong.
A scared strong beat.
Wanting you to be far away.
Far away from me.
Funny thing the heart. 

Concentrated Distraction

Don't go out on that crazy night.
Won't let darkness dimmed your light.
Trust yourself and speak the truth.
Your with me now just let loose.

Times flies fast as words do fly.
Taking off on an endless high.
Notes surround that misty moon.
In my dreams I'll see you soon.

Closer every time we met.
Stakes are high, so place that bet.
Talk to me just one more time.
Inspiration draws the line.
Don't hold back it's getting late.
Time will tell now if it's fate.

This distractions got to end.
Be true and then your heart can mend. 

Riffs in E

Countless takes to get it right, 
she inspired late that night.
She thinks it's beautiful, he says it's rough, 
just like heartaches raw, yet tough.
Resounding riffs not far away, 
talk to me, I'll make it okay.
He drifts away on confident strings, 
gentle heart song; strong young thing. 
Slow and steady, keeping time, 
beyond the thoughts, beyond the lines. 
His beats explored less traveled notes, 
inflicting tempos, truths they spoke. 
Intertwined vibes heard clear and unreal, 
his poem without words; a gift that heals.
Listening, feeling, rights and wrongs, 
life's a book, now play your song.
Sometimes it feels like it's all crashing down, 
take a deep breath, I won't let you drown.
Live your destiny and promise me this, 
laugh, love, and dive, discover true bliss.
Look up at night skies, and inhale sunsets, 
play Riffs in E without regrets.
It won't last forever, in a blink you may miss.
Make it all count, make it a French kiss.
Set free the toxic, be strong and true, 
I've been there before, you must melt to renew.
Don't wait any longer, begin it tonight, 
Rough? Heck no. Perfection… just right. 

Pollinatin' Sensations

J'adore les abeilles
Everyone knows it's true.
Flying freely to and fro.
Fear us because our sting could kill.
Rarely held, but yet adored.
Endless night attraction.
Yet flowers and powers we bring. 
I'm not afraid either is she.
Scintillating in black and gold. 
Key is staying very still.
I know your afraid of us deep down inside.
Nothing to fear, not really.
Guided to you in the summer. 

Don't run away.
Only approach carefully.
Relax, we won't sting, contemplate relaxation.
Keys undiscovered will unlock these pollinatin' sensations. 

The Perfect Day

We had morning coffee, 
we had a morning walk, 
pictures on phones, 
and a daylong talk.
We gazed at rolling hills
and took long deep breathes.
We watched children fly kites
and looked forward to endless nights.
On this wonderful and magical day, 
we acted out parts, just like a play.
It was the, oh so, perfect day.
We walked distant trails and took in some wine.
I danced, you sang, we followed the signs.
You were funny, bold, tender, and kind.
So what was wrong with this perfect day? 
Alone again, you were only on my mind. 

Bird's Sing

The 5th day again brings music and mischievous friends.
We are on, like two brilliant gems.
These two take our sister's hand and teach her tonight.
It's OK to laugh, not just cry and fight.
Indeed birds sing gently past this long day at best.
This goddess is nervous and wonders if she'll pass the test.
The ladies of the night finally arrive.
There will be songs, adventures, and a sense of being truly alive.
Surrounded by my sisters. 
We laugh, sing, create, and tempt the mister.
To another we've bruised, sparred, and still hold hands.
The lone star state can't break these bands.
Our musical sisters talk of lust and try to corrupt with tattoos.
They tell of kinky things anew.
A walk through a forest, yes I agree.
I always enjoy our endless repartee.
For once time passes slow, 
from within in french she beckons, 'sejour.'
The next moment our trio is incomplete 
is something disturbing going to erupt? 
Oh God the two are together, what do they say? 
Can eyes discern each others ways? 
Heart racing, where are you? Goddess at my side we search.
For a second two beautiful birds on a common birch.
What seemed like forever to two playful nymphs he's returned. 
This goddess wonders what he has learned.
Amid the screaming banshees, 
troubadours in black, trays of shots, and sips of fuel, 
we're not quite following the golden rule.
Picture perfect game of temptation, 
we follow through and enjoy this touch sensation.
Tales of Tidal Atlas almost shared, 
again interrupted before these words are declared.
In the end, 
I won't pretend.
In fact, I've decided to protect you from blight.
Mother of all will surround your organic light. 

No Goodbyes

Understand that this tale is innocent.
No words could explain or quite describe.
The friendship between the two.
I'll start with the beginning, which does not have an end.
Let's see, we met five years ago in a church.

Wine shared and I listened to stories of your Poland.
Every Sunday I will say a prayer for you.

Maybe one day we will meet again.
Every missionary must come and go.
Everlasting friendships don't end.
This one loved your guitar, songs, and accordion.

And we had a common wish.
Green was the color we shared.
And we promised to always remain green in life.
I posed questions which made you smile and blush.
Not all felt the same.

Not all saw what I saw.
'Oh Darling' you called me when you laughed.

Give me a last hug, it's time to go.
Only we won't say goodbye.
Only farewell and I'll miss you.
Don't look back only forward.
Be well my friend, one day we'll meet again.
Your cologne will linger on my violin.
Everlasting memories will linger.
Smile brightly when you think of me.

Nerves of Steel

Feeling nervous about this mix.
Want to be great and fantastic.
They say, don't worry, it's all good...
Not a bore in the hood.
Times are tight,
times are tough.
If I had it all, we have a grand event.
Money after all, is meant to be spent!
The finest things for you my friend.
No paybacks and nothing to lend.
But it's not the case, so we'll be creative.
We've done this forever,  we'll live.
Let's do this, it's only a headache or two...
A grand soiree in French blue.
Songs fill the air and stars will delight.
Warm afternoons and memorable nights! 
So whats happens next kind sir? 
Let's search together and find the answers.
No more worries or stress I feel.
After all, when all else fails, 
you forget, I've got nerves of steel.

Darling Daughter

Roses she did not receive on her birthday.
Or sweet 16, or wedding day.
She always wondered about his face and if he was a man of grace.
Sinful cholo, drunk, marijuano, to be told.
Mom was always quick to scold.
Artist, dreamer, waste of space.
Really? Who cared about his face.
Thirty three is when we met.
In one week's time, I would have lost that bet.
Never lost hope for his lost little girl.
Ever searching through endless names without a pearl.
Zest for life, yes this was true.
Love unconditional to this strange girl in blue.
Opium, alcohol, marijuana, and tattooed gangster days.
Veins filled with passion, life, and spiritual ways.
Even though you're a stranger we share the same blood.
You took me to your desert and gave me Jesus mud.
Oh the trouble I will be in, to meet you was practically a sin.
Understand now, he was always there.
Drugged, drunk, painted hands, but he still cared.
Ah yes, I got his looks, mind, and his serious game, 
Darling daughter is my new name.

One More Day

Looking out my window, the moon is watching me.
Oh what are you thinking? 
Vortex of thought hug me like I hugged that tree.
Ever writing prose before sweet dreams fill this dark night.
I'm seeking the right words, 
Suddenly it comes to me.
Make no mistake, I believe the word is: 
Intensity.
Sipping wine does not clear the mind.
Sensing you feel this too? I don't know.
I'm not sure, everything is a whirl, but NOT a whirlwind.
Night. Come swift. Hours pass in minutes.
Go forth in this quest, say, YES? 
Understand that this is NOT a dream.
Wind brushes against my face as I look out into this world at the lights.
He will think of us tonight.
Entering, exiting, oh, that's not right.
Noooo, close my eyes to this sight.
What if? No. Why is it so hot tonight?! 
Early morning come soon, after this beautiful dream.
Air fill my lungs, cleanse me again.
Right, yes. Make this right.
Ever tormenting.
An innocent glance.
Playful conversation.
A nervous laugh.
Rain falls and I don't care.
Texts, poems, messages, tests.
Beautiful words, so different, so full.
Understand this unusual find.
Tonight, morning come swift, I need the light.
Forever.
Enchantment.
Endless.
Love. I love it when you called me love.
In this life, I will teach mine to live life to the fullest.
Nothing is anything without love.
Growing, changing, amazing light CAN fill your darkest nights.
Understand love can be felt with the touch of a hand.
Innocent spirit? Maybe yes. Maybe no.
Never forget that life is too short not to speak 'honest' truths.
My gift? Yes, this they will know. Beauty in all.
Years go by in the blink of an eye, winter, spring, autumn, fall.
Hope, life, love, fire, promise. Find it all! 
Early morning light, DON'T come too soon on this warm night.
Are you ok? I'm ok.
Run, arms wide into this adventure, 
Tomorrow brings us one more day. 

Fati Por Vida

I sense some magical news tonight.
Valleys below in a rainbow balloon.
Angels will watch over and guide them in life.
Never again alone, two hearts will beat as one.
As he got on one knee, wine flowing, secret surprise.
No man shall separate.
Dined and wined the three now celebrate! 
Fati written in the sand in a heart only a year ago.
And a message from beyond in a bible quote.
Ten months and counting.
Ivan proposed on one knee.
And through the tears she says, yes! 
Love will prevail.
Wedding bells will ring.
And we have decided the tattoo will read, Fati Por Vida.
Years from now we will look back.
Sisters celestial celebrated tonight. 

Apples

Long night with two friends and two dogs.
Laughter, secrets, fantasies, and apples? 
Music, cheap wine, tequila.
Snuck a sip of your tequila.
Snuck a sip of your cheap wine.
Green apples, red apples.
Dogs running.
Dogs play fight.
A dog licked my toe.
Fin. Volver. Des'ree, oh no. Stop this music! 
Photo from the past, more friends, 
long hair, big smiles, 
hand on thigh under table.
Nine out of ten is 90%, I think.
Green apples, red apples.
Sheila is with us tonight.
Long night, not really.
Tired.
Good night. 

Light Abounds

Mind racing, inner conflict I sense.
Confusion, so alike, yet so different.
Stay true to your feelings.
Be strong always.
Although you follow the dark,
Don't be afraid of the light.
You seek the truth which was always ahead.
How soon your forget the calm.
Remembering the green all around.
Hand over heart, two that beat in time.
Embrace change, speak your true words.
Sensing your conflicted heart, reveal  your thoughts.
Nothing to forgive.
Release the pain that flows in the dark.
Words can heal and reveal, and let light abound. 

In My Eyes

Wading in a stream seeking minnows and tadpoles,
I come to a realization.
As they try to catch the creatures.
I do what I do in a stream like such.
I close my eyes and remember.
Rocks in the streams, colored glass on the beach.
I gather rocks. Piled high in beautiful sculpture.
The stream emerges into beautiful landscapes.
Yes, this is my gift.
To see beauty from within, and from everything around me.
The broken streams, muddy waters, flat rocks.
All emerge as created majestic palaces of our hands.
Shining smooth in the water, round like me, agate sparkles,
granite grays, earthy blues, and deep sea greens.
In my eyes, all is beauty is this space.
Once all the same.
The greatest tower is toppled with the smallest,
seemingly insignificant, pebble. 

The Voice of Change

Poetic ponderings on Independence Day.
From a girl who sat through the pledge, raised an upside down flag, 
and laid down in protest.
Amber waves of grain and purple mountain majesties? 
She's not sure of these.
She is sure that men and women bravely stood for her freedom.
She knows from great injustices these have come.
She had sold cupcakes for peace and marched in lines.
She has swam in the oceans and breathed in redwoods and ancient pines.
Thankful for her country? 
Why, yes, because its ours, right or wrong, its you and me.
We are the voice of change.
We will teach the children how to hold just reigns.
We are the red, white, and blue.
Red like the skin of our native parents.
White like the hair of those so wise.
Blue like the Pacific Ocean and Montana skies.
History, like us, we cannot correct.
But we can be the change that gives birth to a lasting effect.
We can only do right from here and into the next hour.
Learning from our mistakes to give us true power.
Apology you need, to stand with me? 
Our parents, skin red like clay, hair white like an eagle, 
who rode in the boats on that blue sea.
They need no apology.
I am thankful, THEY are my red, white, and blue.
Yours. Mine. OUR history. 

My New Tattoo

It's going to hurt.
Just some, not much.
Tap tap tap, needles reap.
Hold on tight, it's just skin deep.
Hues of blues, pinks, and reds.
Just enough to turn a head.
It will become a part of me, 
To see my vision is the key.
This one is special, yes indeed.
Ideas swirl, so follow my lead.
Coverup my tired mess.
Fade the past, imprint the bliss.
Bloody, yes, I must confess.
Sit here calm and motionless.
The artist will create the piece, 
a lifelong beauty, a visual feast.
It will sting, and peel, and heal.
Convince myself, I'm made of steel.
See it now for years to come, 
I savored life, yes, it was fun. 
It hurt, it healed, for me not you.
And yes! I love my new tattoo. 

Waiting for November

Giving in like actors in a play I'm
Remembering November.
Even though you said, 
All good things must come to an end I'm
Taking in November.

Take my hand finally because the
Hours pass like minutes and
I'm envisioning November.
Never wanting this to end how come I was
Gifted by your voice today that said, 'so... I love you.'
Summer is so long when your

Longing for November.
A 47 minute experience I've decided because
Suddenly all day I'm
Thinking of November.

Fire from an internal flame kept burning
Onward into the night.
Remember always this goddess does not deceive and is
Envisioning November.
Vonleska will finally say what the heart thinks.
Eyes promise not to look away because they are
Ready, willing, and waiting for November. 

She Wore Fearless

She wears black but her soul is white.
he is paranoid about performing and perceptions.
don't overthink it don't try to understand it.
he doesn't yet realize that she is fearless.
she wears green.
she is green, reminds him of the color he once felt.
she always wore it, is part of her being, it is the color of her sun.
her three see the world through green, thank you for this gift.
these three will be taught to live life fearless.
she wears red.
color of passion, she learned in her blackest years that no one
could take this away from her.
red like the blood in their veins, 
alive always, self loved always, wrapped in perfect imperfections, 
this is his gift to us all.
oh most definately, she is now fearless.
she wears leopard from a priest.
she will miss him dearly, her dear friend.
they reminded each other to 'be green, like the trees, 
always bending and moving. never ever dying, never broken.
he taught her that. she will miss his strong hugs, his accent, his
cologne that lingered on her violin, his vodka, his accordian, 
yes, she will miss him dearly.
they will miss each other, but will continue, fearless.
she wears purple.
she is so much stronger than she thinks. gifted writer yes! 
she is truly talented, blessed heart, beautiful visions, always open
to try anew, loved by those who wear fur.
fearless – my gift to you my beautiful sister.
what happened next? 
she wore black.
Thinking it was the color of her soul.
she forgot it's the color of night, 
but she is not night, she is the stars, the great abyss.
oh heck ya, she now enters that night, fearless.
she wore green.
strong, like the tree of life, for she is life.
she has lived life over and over, loved truly and lost, 
screamed at him, bruised so often, cried alone into those dark nights. but, wow, she was never broken.
she is life renewed again, pure once more.
she was always fearless.