love exists

in rays of the sun 

and shadows of the oak

following the sun, salt and summer breeze

skin rippled and brown

travelling upstream

as aches lay deep 

love exists

many times

staring in the mirror 

but I can’t see a face

tears roll sideways 

on the outline taking space

I will tell you this

dragging me from ring to ring

the emptiness has me falling down

hard not to feel like a clown

I tell myself

no one can see me here

but the lights are so bright

that truth seems far not near 

it has happened before

beautiful days do come two in a row

looking to be inspired

I choose to heal and grow

my heart on a string

the days stretch

running me out

pulling you in

walking in circles

dizzy and quiet

the tighter my grasp

the more that floats away

I can’t see the line

obscured by the time

darkness holds light

when you lie next to me

with every starless night

I feared tomorrow’s dawn

unwilling to close my eyes 

wishing this haunting to be gone

morning after morning 

wishing it were all a dream 

but sunshine brought it back again

had me choking, I could not scream

it was so hard on me

long shadows always held the dark

I would never understand your pain

once vibrant paths now stood stark

a love so strong

unable to win the fight 

did your heart ever have its doubts

it’s getting late, I hope the stars come out tonight

the pursuit 

endlessly elusive

as the chirping rings like laughter

eyes stretched wide 

gliding and bouncing with purpose 

ready to meet face to face

do not fear my dark shadow

curious and kind

is my nature 

friends are not always easy to find

we share this terrain

come play with me

the ocean keeps the time

get caught in the rhythm

do not struggle

follow nature’s lead

and drift away 

with sun on your face

and feet in the sand

tomorrow is left behind

with no bombs above

tragically waiting for the rain 

will leave you empty

there is no defeat 

on this horizon

hold firmly to the jogging kite

and lose your way

in the crashing waves

there is much to see

just close your eyes

a girl has my heart

she grabbed it

with fate from the stars

she melts it

with sparkling eyes

she holds it

with careful attention

she twists it

with a wandering mind

she rests within it

with sweet love

that girl

it’s you

wrapped in the summer sun

floating on the waterline

allowing the world around to flow through

it’s not coming

it’s not gaining on you

you own the space inside

behind you is only yesterday

no change of plans

breathe deep as your hand drags the water

don’t fade inside

unfold your fist

as your mind gets tight

slowly tapping your center

don’t fall to your knees

stand tall in the mirror

recognize it’s only you

the battle seems daunting

you are not alone

not that far from home

dwelling in pain

I can no longer feel

buried deep 

cold as steel

beneath roots of oaks

you cannot resuscitate

what hasn’t died

playing make believe

behind sheets of lies

will not hide the view

breathe in deep

and hold it there

taken under

behind a stare

your essence hangs

climb aboard 

that morning train

all returns are lost or buried

never in vain

residing in the heart

vulnerability is my power 

hoping to show you

lost in search of realization

inspired by what I cannot see 

I wish you more

more than I can give

I’m empty no more 

now that you’re gone

wanting to sing my heart

but I keep losing my place

littered in the mess that’s been made

is salt from yesterday’s tears

music has not tripped the words

seeking translation

has me listening

again and again