Sweet Life and Slumber

I touched her temple;

her vein pulsed softly.

Each strand of hair

I played with one by one,

placing them behind her ear.

I could hear her breath

in and out, like a soft whisper.

Though no words were uttered

she conveyed her love to me

with a grazing glance and sweet smile.

Laying within the moment I

could hear the second-hand clock tick;

the soft sheets exuding her scent

lingering on my brain over and over

dissolving into my heart for all eternity.

As I drift off to sleep she welcomes me,

cementing the feelings my subconscious is

conscious of; pleasant, warm and familiar

staying through the night in my dreams until

the morning and I arise happy all over again.

Copyright by NewLife2008

Hope's Lament

Reaching out to you, at least I thought I could,

not sure what to do but give it one last try.

I thought maybe I could change your mind

but you’re your own person to a fault and

I never understood where it went wrong.

That little girl I saw so many years ago

no soft white glow but a blinding light;

as hard as I tried that spirit I couldn’t corral

persuasively tried, but only reflections of black eyes

swallowed me up and you I could no longer hold.

Beautiful but tortured your soul of reflecting mirrors

left you lost and confused with nowhere to turn,

clinging to your reflections of deceit and desperation

denying your happiness for the sake of a fleeting feeling

drowning out the pain and your soul in a pseudo euphoria.

Coming back to reality those things did nothing for you at all

but take away your dreams and aspirations – washed away

like rain on a summer’s day down a gutter – gone forever.

Convinced your blinding light is only a soft white glow

deserving nothing and hoping for little is all you know.

So my sweet I’m reaching out one last time – not because

I want that, but it’s been determined by you.

I know you love me but it seems you’re stuck in neutral;

one day I hope you come to your senses and things get better

but if not, I pray for the best and hope you’re not lost forever.

Copyright by NewLife2008

This Is Us

This is us.

When I first heard your voice,

it was like chocolate;

smooth, satisfying and fulfilling.

Talking to you was like a holiday

I never did want it to end.

I learn the innermost you

then, I fell in love.

This is us.

You said I made you laugh,

you loved the shape of my nose;

I made you have faith in a man.

We grew together not like a bamboo,

But like slowly unraveling pedals,

Little by little by the warmth

Of sunshine that was our love.

It was sure and unmistakable,

nothing would stop the inevitable

and we were both fine with that;

this is us.

Together in our joys, in our sorrows,

In our pains, oh boy our pains,

they seem to multiply daily

but still our love remains.

Happy is a state of mind;

but it seems our minds are failing

along with our bodies,

but we’re determined to keep it together.

It doesn’t mean it’s easy

and it might not change;

so we take it day by day

and remain focused on our future.

So whatever happens, I’m glad I have you,

you’re the elixir for my life;

I will be the shoulders to lean on

and eventually we’ll make it; this is us.

Copyright by NewLife2008

Mary and Nick

Mary and Nick loved each other through thin and thick

Mary would do anything as she was head over heels for Nick

Nick loved Mary but some things just aren't made to last

as Mary and Nick lived their life too hard and too fast.

Hot headed they would start fights at the drop of a hat

jealousy ruled they're lives as it was more than a love spat

she was beautiful and dangerous and flaunted it carelessly

Nick was chiseled and handsome and flirtatious as could be.

Neither of them could change and so it’s more of the same

Hurting each other carelessly and not accepting the blame

Mary is always crying wishing Nick would just understand

Nick is too prideful and won’t concede because he’s a “man”

Mary blames Nick for their lot in life and has grown tired

Nick just goes from job to job and is always getting fired

Mary now just stays in her room and keeps to herself

She loves Nick but wishes for another life somewhere else

Despite their love for each other they were like oil and water

it got to the point where they just couldn't stand each other

too much of the same life, they could no longer remain

their passion and desire die out from what was once a flame.

Copyright by NewLife2008

Disconnected

A slowly drifting sherbet dream

is falling off into the horizon;

the colors so calming and serene

I’m mesmerized but clearly realizing,

the day is kissing us goodnight.

Floating into the nothingness

behind to where nobody knows;

wholly enveloped in the darkness

into my unconsciousness it grows;

dreams explode under a shimmering satellite.

Shuddering is the night

from a winter’s breathe;

the wind screaming from frostbite

not even a blanket of clouds bring relief

as the leaves toss and turn in the night.

And I don’t feel or hear a thing.

Copyright by NewLife2008

Broken Adolescence

Picture perfect, flawless in every way,

a thousand suns couldn’t shine brighter than you;

but what you say makes me see through

and suddenly it’s like night and day;

now I see it’s more of what you do

and no longer is a pedestal where you stay.

It hurts so much since I never had the chance

to heal from your reckless moods;

always afraid of what I would say or do.

Your anger boiling over at the drop of a hat;

never realizing how much I loved you;

and wondering how if you loved me could do that.

Inside my emotions cry while outside I hide,

like a statue devoid of all that one can perceive.

Not letting you to get the best of me though

barely alive inside while I sadly grieve,

I bid my time when I can finally leave and

wondering why did you even carry me?

Time goes on and it seems like there is no end;

I can’t lie you have your good points

but I can’t go on living in pretend.

You say you love me but I don’t remember those days,

living on your habits it seems it was you I raised;

sometimes the pain is just better to forget.

Try as I may, I can’t live on this way;

though I hoped for the best, it won’t be.

Time for me to leave, for me to be free,

your words no longer carry any weight.

You say you will always loved me;

I loved you, but now it’s too late.

Copyright by NewLife2008

Do You Know a Moon’s Sorrow

Do you know a moon’s sorrow?

When shrouded by brooding clouds

as thunder and lightning cry out

masking the glory of its brilliant light?

Its luminance not even that of a firefly,

nature’s night light hanging in desperation;

desperate for some kind of cooperation

but this night the tempest just won’t comply.

Hours pass without an admiring fixation,

regretfully the satellite resigns and succumbs.

Pushed aside from the cyclic rotation;

swallowed up by the brilliance of the sun.

Copyright by NewLife2008

Cemented Dreams

The window of my soul

peak through vinyl ladders;

sunbeam dreams

keep me mesmerized

though the view

is just out of my reach.

A wistful longing, deep

from within, for what

I don’t even know;

if only the window of

my soul would open up

wouldn’t you know, it’s stuck.

Copyright by NewLife2008

A Stinging Rain

I see you in my memory;

it keeps replaying over and over

and I can’t break away as I keep

coming back to that cold and rainy day.

A water crescendo falling outside of my window,

drowning out the pain I can’t hide

but not the water shed of tears that hit the floor;

all alone as I hear you slam the front door.

The wheels keep turning in my brain

wondering where exactly we went wrong;

seeing you leave in the pouring rain

realizing the love was gone all along.

Running outside in the torrential rain

like a fool hoping against all hope;

praying that you’ll look back and turn around

but inside I know I’ll never see you again.

I’m wet, cold, and chilled to the bone

I don’t want to go inside, but I can’t stay here

in the middle of the road –  but you’re not

coming back – this much is clear.

Rainy days leave me feeling melancholy;

it takes me back every now and again

when I hear the patter on my window pane,

I painfully realize I no longer have anybody.

Copyright by NewLife2008

Color Negative

Looking out among the waves of doubt,

I try to muster up optimism but

I’m swallowed up by a sea of uncertainty;

wave after wave it’s seems relentless

and it feels like I’m drowning.

It seems my joyous outlook has been broken;

never did I think I would have ever succumbed,

but I’m older now and with it creeps self doubt.

Even though wiser, this world is more unstable

and because of it, so has become my life.

Even the simple things of life seem out of my reach;

I know they’re out there but no longer seem attainable.

The sun reminds me of my past happiness and

every day I live reminds me of how far removed I am

from it and the shaky ground my life is on.

Life is so beautiful and at the same time so cruel;

I know this isn’t what life is supposed to be but if you

live long enough you will be a victor and a victim.

So if I end up with nothing at the end, despite my faith,

I know in the end I will have conquered everything.

Copyright be NewLife2008

You

I'm going to love you more than anyone else,

I'm going to love you even when you're not yourself.

All your hopes and fears sweetheart we'll conquer together

don't say a thing, just lay your head on my chest;

give yourself to me and I'll take care of the rest.

You are the source of my joy, you light my fire within,

you are the life I breathe and you make me whole again.

When I'm down I'm not there for long,

because you fortify me with your gentle reasonings;

your melodious tones are like a song

soothing my soul with your soulful seasonings.

What more can I do, I just want to be your everything;

you touch me without touching me at all

affecting my very being, I'll never be the same;

you are in my heart no matter how near or how far.

So just let me say this just one more time;

I'm going to love you more than anyone else,

I'm going to love you even when you're not yourself.

All your hopes and fears we'll conquer together

don't say a thing, just lay your head on my chest;

give yourself to me and I'll take care of the rest.

Copyright by NewLife2008

Sweet Addiction

You deceived me to my own detriment;

though oh such a sweet odor, I couldn't resist.

Consumed by blinded passion I'm immersed

in to feelings of euphoria waiting for my misery.

Time stands still or is it just my denial?

The former of I’m convinced until I’m betrayed

by the stinging chill of rejection that hits like a tsunami

and I’m floored as I feel the power of your rejection.

You mock me and I’m nothing but helpless

though you always lead me on thinking it will

be different; but again I agonize on why I

always let you get the best of me.

Oh the addiction that you are to me!

It seems I can’t break free from your salacious

appeal – but I can no longer indulge for you

betray me every single time – this is goodbye.

Cold turkey is my only salvation; I can’t

bring myself to indulge though thoughts

of you make me salivate – out of my life

forever and for me no more sleepless nights.

Copyright by NewLife2008

Glen Rose State Park

“Glen Rose State Park.”

 “Dinosaurs.”

“Dinosaurs?”

“Glen Rose State Park?”

“Yes. Glen Rose State Park.”

“Dinosaurs.”

“Ready?”

“Yes!” you replied; “Let’s go!”

Off to the Texas Hill County

To see where the dinosaurs

Once roamed, 113 million years ago.

“This is a National Natural Landmark.”

I mentioned to you. “Because of their

footsteps being preserved in limestone,

sandstones and mudstones deposits.”

We went down to the riverbed

to searched for their presence

that occurred so long ago.

An impressionable young girl

you enjoyed the moment;

though lamenting the dinosaurs’ fate.

And just like those dinosaurs

our relationship unfortunately

became extinct; though the moment

forever etched in my memory.

Copyright by NewLife2008

My Integrity Not Forsaken

Injustice in this world seems to follow me
paid my dues yet it won't let me be
I must rise above this world’s violent ferocity
to a better place so I can be free.
From others trying to keep me down because they lack integrity
undoing their trust by their own duplicity
suffering comes but they won't take away my dignity.
So I pray that I don't become my own worst enemy
drown in the doubt and doubt my own abilities,
but to rise above on wings of reason and sensibility.
Preserving my sense of faith, justice, and morality
away to a life of pleasantness and synchronicity;
as waves of peace wash over me creating placidity,
victorious I've become and my reward is tranquility.


Copyright by NewLife2008

TIme Relinquished

I’m blank and I just can’t

though I wish I could,

even when I try I can’t think;

sometimes it just happens

in a matter of a blink.

I know what I want to say

it’s at the tip of my tongue;

I can taste it though it’s faint,

they say it’s because I’m older now

but I did this even when I was young.

Oh how I wish I could

and I just might;

I need to get up

and I know I should

but it’s such a fight.

As the electronic rooster crows

it tells me what I already know;

it’s getting harder to tell

this reason for my struggle;

I’m too tired or either I can’t hear very well.

I need to, but I don’t have the strength;

extracurricular is harder than you think.

My arch enemy makes it harder each day

if I only could do what I say;

I changed my habits, but it’s not quite enough.

Take my vitamins and supplements

but this losing weight is tough;

no matter what my regiment

time is an inevitable fate;

it’s catching up and will soon overtake.

I’m reminded time and time again

with each morning that I arise;

every glance of my reflection

the lines become more defined.

Realizing I’m further away from perfection

and farther away from the prize;

how in youth we were eagerly inclined

looking forward to another year in time

but as time passes and we get closer to our end;

we realize that time is no longer our friend.

Copyright by NewLife2008

Reluctant Parting

On the warm summer ground I lie,

the azure sky is my canvas.

Memories pass through my mind

putting me in a state of calmness;

and I’ve yet to say goodbye.

In agony, my last tears flow

as warm blood seeps into the ground,

my perpetrator effortless at his craft

no time to even make a sound;

fatal was his decisive blow.

Smelling the grass as I lay on my side

because my better judgment I betrayed;

the air is crisp and clean.

Squinting from the sun’s rays

I wishing this was only a dream.

I’m left to think what could have been;

my heartbeat down to a crawl.

If I had only chosen a different path today;

there’s so much I wanted to say;

and I know exactly where I would begin:

Thank you all though I didn’t convey

the love to me you showed.

I would love to have replied;

but this you will never know since

I’ll never tell you all goodbye.

I’m fading quickly now,

only seconds before I pass.

As I heave in one last sigh,

my heart is no longer beating

and I never got to say goodbye.

Copyright by NewLife2008

Catastrophic

In the silence of night, it arrived;

she awoke with terror in her eyes.

Certain of what approaches in the dark;

getting her family she has no time to waste.

Grabbing the kids while the sirens wail;

as the children cry uncontrollably

she makes her way to her safe place;

now all she can do is pray.

As she awaits clutching her kids

the sound of the roar is deafening,

Closer its’ approach the air pressure drops;

nothing more to do - they embrace for impact.

Holding on her children for dear life

the house is lifted from its’ foundations;

the walls crumbled where they huddled.

What seemed like forever was only seconds.

The tempest abates as rain continues to fall;

despite her broken leg she ignores the pain.

As she struggles to remove the debris;

the children sob, battered and bruise; but alive.

Left with nothing she starts all over again;

vowing they will never live in fear.

But deep down inside they’re forever changed;

looking up in the skies each time dark clouds appear.

Copyright by NewLife2008

My Son, My Heart

The distinct smell of iodoform permeates my sensory neurons

as I sit in the waiting room with my muted emotions

staring at the television I can’t emote a response to Monday Night Football -

Across the way my wife carries our son in ICU;

he doesn’t cry because he’s heavily sedated

but soon, his heart will no longer beat

because he has a terminal illness. At only

a day and a half old he will never know

what we look like or see our now sad faces.

What is worse, today is April 19^th, 1993

and MNF has been replaced with David Koresh -

the TV  burns fire and smoke fills the screen -

and my eyes fill with tears – not from the smoke

but from the fire that is being extinguish in my son;

he can hear our voices and softly smiles, holding my finger.

But now he is slowly fading away…he will be

gone but not forgotten; I didn’t hold him

she did – but I will always hold him in my heart.

Copyright by NewLife2008

Angling For The Sea

Fiberglass flexibility,

at six and a half feet

it’s half a foot taller than me.

Tip top, tip, windings all secure;

guides to butt guide, top to bottom

all the eyes are aligned.

Male and female ferrule

fit like glove over fist;

make sure there’s nothing I missed.

Oh, man the handle is firm and neat;

there goes the real seat, butt cap

and hook keeper, well that’s that.

Ball bearings all are well greased;

the gears work perfectly

as the reel handle I gyrate

to adjust the drag moderately.

The bail is firm and the line spool is

full of line, now to attach the reel foot.

With the remnant of a salt smell

I gather my other equipment;

aerator, tackle, tackle box,

weights, leaders, popping corks

hooks, and a variety of lures.

Now a drive to the shore and leave behind my cares.

Copyright by NewLife2008

To be Innocent Again – What I Wouldn’t Do

One must have the mind of innocence

to love freely without prejudice

and see with eyes open wide

of what a person truly is inside.

To be free of fear and mistrust;

from which our insides start to rust

rotting away hope and light;

diminishing our souls as it fades into the night.

We must insist on being innocent;

free from the whispers of discontent

from the doubt that drapes and suffocates,

killing our hope the more it permeates.

So resist with every ounce of your being;

we‘re all the same, we want something to believe in.

Whether we make it or whether we fall,

like a child we’ll eventually heal from the scars.

Those childlike qualities is what’s missing,

look deep inside; they’re in each one of you.

Remember what it was to live and love without hate?

It’s the only thing that will save us from our fate.

Never give up believing in humanity

because humans are you, them and me;

embrace others no matter race, creed or color

we are all children of God; sisters and brothers.

Copyright by NewLife2008