Bedfellow

I wake in the morning and 
see your lovely face;
It brings me instant joy.
You curl up next to me 
and I caress your velvety softness.
I feel my body and mind relax;
I feel at one with the universe.
Then you nip my hand;
Get up, it’s time to eat.

Peaceful Night

Frogs sing in the trees.
A shooting star overhead
One deep breath - exhale.

Mine Alone

Today was our day, yours and mine;
It had been yours for quite some time.
Then I arrived, a gift for you;
But the gift of life you gave was true.
Year after year we’d celebrate;
Sometimes early; sometimes late.
But never did this day go by
Sans birthday wishes, you and I.
Until this year, now mine alone,
As you're not here; forever gone.

Bird Business

Before the dawn their songs begin,
Announcing a brand new day.
Wake up, wake up they call again,
In the treetops we do play.

I pull the sheets over my head,
Though a smile alights my face;
As the sun blooms bright over my bed,
Bird business is taking place.

Something’s Off

Why do I cringe when you look at me?

I admit I don’t know you well,

But you have never given me reason to distrust you.

Yet, there is something about you.

My skin crawls even as you speak words of kindness.

I impulsively step just out of reach when you come near.

There is something under those words.

Something behind that gaze.

Something that you want from me.

Slithering

I slither through the grass
And feel the sun upon my skin;
I come upon a smooth, cool creek
And slither right on in. 

I swim along the surface 
With the current I do ride;
Then I slither up a rock;
Laying on the other side. 

I dry off in the sun 
And then slither up a tree;
I hang down from a branch
And I swing there happily.

I begin to fall asleep 
And am just starting to dream;
Then I fall out of the tree
As a child begins to scream.  

So I slither on the ground
Just as fast as I can go
And I make it to my den
Where this snake can now lie low.

Some Space, Please

All I ask is for some space;
Some time to reflect; to set my own pace;
But there you are always in my face.

I know you believe you’re comforting me;
Providing support in my time of need;
But it’s all so smothering -- don’t you see?

All I need is some space to breathe;
Some time alone so I can grieve;
I beg you please to take your leave.

Off you go and I’m all alone;
In this empty house I pace and roam;
A painful absence in our home.

Come back my darling and hold me tight;
Tell me all will be alright;
Then give me a little space tonight.

Look To The Sky

All around is dirt and dust,
Crumbled buildings, rot and rust.
But high above dawns bright and new;
A blazing sun in a sky of blue.

All around is dark and dank;
Oppressive, stifling, spoiled, rank.
But in the sky the stars shine bright,
And the moon is in full glory tonight.

The Birdwatcher

She is like the migratory bird, restless in the cage that imprisons her.

Eager to be set free in the morning light, yet no longer able to fly the distance.

What shall she do, but lie in wait for the cage door to open and a strong wind to pick her up and revitalize her.

Then she shall soar to the far reaches of the earth once again.

No Control

I know it appears I am staring incoherently as I attempt to process the meaning of the jarring words I have just heard.  I understand what is happening; likely better than the specialists surrounding my bed, uttering conciliatory words and promises.  These well-intentioned men and women are determined to make me whole again.  It is not an issue of understanding or coming to terms with the predicament I find myself in.  It is a matter of losing control.  Behind my stupor is a type of awakening; a dose of reality.  Being in control is a farce. 

Oh, we certainly have our in-control moments.  We pat ourselves on the back when we curb an urge to engage in harmful behaviors or when we make decisions that result in positive outcomes.  When life is going well, we believe it is to our credit.  It is when things truly fall apart that our lack of control becomes evident.  Despite the harsh reality, the acknowledgement brings me peace.  You may say that I have gained control over my emotions.  I call it resignation.