Searching for Solace

Spending the days in distraction.
Friends and family come and go.
My stomach full of comfort food,
fine wine and bourbon.
It doesn’t help.

I workout my tense muscles.
Racing heart, lungs bursting from exertion.
Power yoga, powerlifting,
kickboxing, Tabata, step.
It doesn't work.

I delve into my job;
aiming for focus and control.
Multitasking, organizing, detail checking;
late into the evening.
It doesn’t work.

I’m told by those who have been here,
it’s a process, a process, a process…
It doesn’t help.

A Welcome Guest

Oh, how much you are welcome here;
on the heels of scorching heat;
the landscape dull and devoid of color;
the air, a stifling haze.
But why must you come with such vengeance?
Falling from darkness;
amongst thunderous booms and electric lights;
saturating the parched earth in torrents.
At last, you settle in.
Your pace slows to a steady drumbeat;
the perfect guest bringing welcome relief,
and leaving behind restored vibrance.

The Perfect Day

Is today the day the stars align?
In perfect rhythm and perfect time. 
A day where nothing can go wrong;
the perfect melody to the perfect song.

Is today the day the truth’s revealed?
All debts forgiven and all scars healed.
A day where pain does not exist;
a world of joy and love and bliss.

Is today the day that dreams come true?
Wealth and health for me and you.
A day there is no need unmet;
no broken promises or regret.

No, today is a day like any other;
an unknown journey to be discovered.
A day to live the life we know,
in its unpredictable ebb and flow.

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.