Just a small part of me wants strife to go away, to return to a kinder time. Am I just losing courage? Life is draining me,

Orange full moon with a half smile, a hanging lantern, lighting the way, through dark streets,

Not a word heard As the river flows Over rock, around Banks that lie Waiting for visitors.

I remember your smile, your laugh,… you gave so freely. It’s hard that you are gone. I sigh and walk along the bay.

The flesh withers as we age But our inner spirit Remains the same. And when the body dies The spirit breaks free

Oh hummingbird Where are you now? Have you taken My courage with you? Oh hummingbird

Last night I dreamt that I floated above the clouds, above the earth and my heart

Grateful for: Sunrise of pink and gold Showing the way, Lighting the sky, To another blessed day.

Photos are all I have At times, Of smiling familiar faces, My family spread out. I would travel often

Memories of my childhood Visit more and more Each day, As ghosts of past relatives Cast their shadows,

Leaves falling, Another season Decorating the earth. One red leaf In my path,

Looking at my journal’s Blank page While geese fly by and honk A greeting. The red cardinals

On a walk, many Brown-Eye Susan line the border, before the woods. Rain clouds move closer as if to give a hug, while

The chimes outside the pottery studio ring like a temple bell, calling the faithful to honor,

The lines in my hand, Were read once, By a gypsy, who Predicated a long life... But with many interruptions.