Saturday, August 30, 2008

Lyrics: I want to laugh, I want to cry

This is a song that I wrote. Sami composed the music for it and sang it.

I want to laugh
I want to cry
Not say goodbye
Not say goodbye

You are my life
You are my hope
I can not cope
I can not cope

Call and say no
Please stay, don't go
I need you here
I need you right here

It's a song of joy
and broken heart
Why must it be?
Why must it be?

Then take me too
Don't say we're through
I can adjust
I can adjust

I'll take your hand
To foreign lands
Together strong
Together strong

Call and say no
Please stay, don't go
I need you here
I need you right here

It's a song of joy
and broken heart
Why must it be?
Why must it be?

I want to laugh
I want to cry
Not say goodbye
Not say goodbye

You are my life
You are my hope
I can not cope
I can not cope

Call and say no
Please stay, don't go
I need you here
I need you right here

It's a song of joy
And broken heart
It needn't be
No, it needn't be.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Quote to ponder

The road to success is always under construction.
-- Arnold Palmer

Winds of a Dying Star

In the winds of a dying star,
a purple light flashed from afar;
it touched me in my dream-like state,
assuredly it changed my fate.

I walked the lucky path of life,
released from worry, pain and strife;
people commented on my glow,
pouring the way waterfalls flow.

Each sunset I gazed at the lights,
sparkling in the blackness of night;
feeling part of the universe,
sharing the wealth from nature’s purse.

A star died but I was reborn,
bathed in star dust, a life adorned;
with goodness and richness galore,
I’ll be thankful forevermore.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Quote to ponder

The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us.
-- Bill Watterson

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Usual Stuff

Monotony invades my bones,
I pace in my gray encased zone,
mumbling about nonsense, guff,
just doing the usual stuff.

After work, the kids await me,
with their stories, tears and scraped knees,
being responsible is tough,
just doing the usual stuff.

At last I can kick up my feet,
as the moon and stars smile and greet,
my time vanishes in a puff,
just doing the usual stuff.

Dawn’s light flickers over my eyes,
it’s time to tell dreamland good-bye,
work calls but waking up is rough,
just doing the usual stuff.

Quote to ponder

Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.
-- Albert Einstein

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Quote to ponder

The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.
--Albert Einstein

Monday, August 25, 2008

Pandora's Box

I dug up my Pandora’s box,
out leaped jealousy like a fox,
followed by hatred and anger,
I could hear their threatening purr.

Insecurity strangled me,
impatience kicked me in the knee,
gasping for air, moaning from pain,
pelted in poison, left in the rain.

Soaked, frightened, shivering from cold,
depressed because I was not bold,
I threw up my arms in despair,
ugly feelings growled like a bear.

I suffered their brutal attacks,
lacking the courage to fight back,
weakness, illness crept through my veins,
I welcomed death, was I insane?

Enveloped in blackness, I screamed,
tunnel of light, was it a dream?
The light wrapped me in a warm coat,
dark emotions jumped in a boat.

I watched as they drifted down stream,
realization dawned, my eyes gleamed,
instead of burying my fears,
I dug them up and faced the tears.

Ugliness cannot surface now,
to my freedom I bow and bow,
weakness has been replaced by strength,
I’ve no regrets, I’ve come great lengths.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

In The Wild

Enthusiasm flows through my veins,
bliss bubbles forth, I loosen the reins,
jumping excitedly like a child,
dancing about, embracing the wild.

Vibrant green leaves decorate my hair,
as wind gently whispers that it cares,
sun spreads a rosy glow on my face,
blossoming rose buds open like lace.

Glistening tears flow like waterfalls,
expressing delight like bouncing balls,
no greater joy could ever be found,
or surpass lying on nature’s ground.

Grass tickles my back, ants march along,
butterflies land, I feel I belong,
clouds form and change shapes to entertain,
the wild is where I wish to remain.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Quote to ponder

If you want the rainbow, you've got to put up with the rain.
-- Dolly Parton

Friday, August 22, 2008

Hidden Talent

"Dr. Chapman's office, may I help you?" The reception desk faced the waiting room. The patients and I could easily exchange questions or information.

"Mr. Hughes", Caroline the chiropractic assistant read from the file in her hand. He left the waiting room and followed her to a treatment room. A quick sweep of the room revealed that one patient remained. I smiled at her as our eyes met.

"Your aura is white.
You have lots of poetry inside you.
You were a nun in your previous life."

I just stared at her. What was she talking about? My numbed brain was incapable of formulating a response. What is aura? My past life? Poetry?

**
I have so many hidden talents. The key word is hidden. The problem is they are so well hidden that I don't have a clue as to what they are or where they are. One of them is becoming a writer. Either it's an undiscovered talent or there is red ink on my forehead that is invisible to me but clearly visible to others. They simply read what's written on my forehead, which is when are you going to write your book?

The first time that question was presented to me, my eyes reflected confusion. Where did that question come from? Why is he asking me? I've never said that I want to write a book. Maybe it was a joke. Some months passed and another person popped the identical question. Guess he read it on my forehead.

If you believe in The Secret, you can concentrate on your deepest desire and send that thought out to the universe. The universe will deliver like a genie. Your wish is my command. I cannot recall consciously sending out thoughts of becoming a writer. I can recall consciously sending out thoughts of becoming rich. I guess these thoughts have to travel a great distance because the universe has not responded and I am still waiting.

Greatly inspired by the motivational speakers sharing The Secret, I went into a meditative state to concentrate fully on my request for prosperity. Daily I asked the universe to send prosperity. Daily I waited and waited and waited. The universe didn't smile on me.

Discussing The Secret with my sister Loraine when I was at a low point of believing in it, she pointed out that there are different kinds of prosperity. The universe responds to specific requests. So I'd been oblivious to the kind of prosperity the universe was sending me. From that day forward, I was careful to send out thought waves requesting financial prosperity. I even put a hundred thousand dollar bill on my screensaver so I could visualize it numerous times daily. I'm still waiting!

On the other hand, a not-so-favorite relative showed her cat's claws. I'm sure she has never heard of The Secret, so she has decided to fight over inheritance. In a way it's comical because there is no inheritance to fight over except the house. You should have seen her shouting and demanding that the inheritance laws be changed because "they weren't fair".

I wonder who has a better chance. I want the universe to rain hundred thousand dollar bills on my head. She wants to change inheritance laws.

**
The Atlantic Ocean and The Mediterranean Sea separated my husband and me. I was in The States; he was in Libya. Maybe absence does make the heart grow fonder because my eyes opened wide at two in the morning and a poem was on the tip of my tongue. Groggily, I reached for a pen and pad and jotted it down. Happily, I drifted back to sleep.

When my eyes were tickled by the early morning sunrays, the poem was like a mirage. Was it real or an illusion? There was a notepad on the nightstand so I glanced at it. Allure caught my eye. I continued to read:

Allure

During the peaceful hours of the night,
I hear The Mediterranean Sea calling me.
As I awake to the early morning light,
The Mediterranean Sea is calling me.

I am far away from this glorious sea,
while visiting my friends and family.
Yet my heart skips a beat, and I jump to my feet,
turning to meet the whispering of this sea.

For it’s not a call that I can ignore,
or a sound that can be stifled by closing the door.
It’s like a magnetic pull drawing me.
to this majestically crystal blue sea.

Willingly, I acquiesce with a smile,
to travel the thousands of miles.
The Mediterranean Sea
is calling Me.


That was the beginning of hundreds of poems that sprung to life. Was this a hidden talent? I was doomed. Who reads poetry? Who writes poetry? There is no market. I don't even read poetry! Where did this come from? A bemused expression formed when I discovered that thousands of poets were posting their creations on The Internet on a poetry website. People do write poems, but who reads them?

What remains the most perplexing is who was that lady who sat in the waiting room at a chiropractor's office eight years ago and told me that I had lots of poetry inside me? I have never forgotten this mysterious lady's words. "Your aura is white. You have lots of poetry inside you. You were a nun in your previous life." I had no idea what she looked like, but her message was etched into my memory never to be erased. I used to jokingly tell people that I was a nun in my past life, and I couldn't even to that right, so here I am again!

**
When are you going to write your book? I've decided it's a thought sent from another galaxy. Once the message is delivered, it bounces off my forehead and returns to sender like a boomerang. Is it another mysterious message in my life?

To appease these caring friends and relatives whom have uncovered a talent that I have no knowledge of possessing, I sit down at my computer to "write my book". I stare at a blank page. Aren't I supposed to have an idea?

**
When are you going to write your book?

Aaahhh! Can you hear me screaming in your dreams?

A quote to ponder

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.
-- Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Thursday, August 21, 2008

A quote to ponder...

Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.
-- Buddha

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Bookworm

“Your nose is always in a book, bookworm",
he spat out the words, holding my arm firm.
Helpless, not knowing what to say, I froze.
He never noticed my tears as he rose.

Heartbroken, I watched him slither away.
I would never see him after that day.
He wanted me to change but I couldn’t,
or an honest account is I wouldn’t.

As painful as it was to let him go,
it was blatant that it had to be so.
Why should I give up what is dear to me?
Reading opens doors and sets my mind free.

Ten years have passed and maybe you can guess,
books in all corners, everywhere a mess.
Buried under books is my handsome man,
furnishing as many books as he can.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Mother Teresa's Wisdom

This is the first time that I post something that
I did not write, but I find these words inspiratonal.
I read and reread them as a constant reminder.

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
FORGIVE THEM ANYWAY.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
BE KIND ANYWAY.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
SUCCEED ANYWAY.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
BUILD ANYWAY.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
BE HAPPY ANYWAY.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
DO GOOD ANYWAY.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU'VE GOT ANYWAY.

YOU SEE, IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, IT IS BETWEEN YOU AND GOD; IT WAS NEVER BETWEEN YOU AND THEM ANYWAY.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

50th Birthday

Counting down to my 50th birthday,
a splash of depression overcomes me;
looking back on a half a century,
reveals I have nothing profound to say.

Dismally time slips out of my hands,
my youthful ideals have fallen astray;
motivating dreams are now castaways,
I am chocking and sinking in quicksand.

I have sought a purpose that eludes me,
I do not feel wise, I feel exhausted;
I cling to time that before I wasted,
the crystal ball is cloudy, I can’t see.

A tiny voice shouts this is outrageous,
giving in to doldrums is not the way;
fight to keep ugly sensations at bay,
avoid dark feelings which are contagious.

I listen to my tiny voice of hope,
the black mood lifts and I feel like dancing;
on my 50th I will be prancing,
at my party no one will see me mope.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Bereft

Commotion surrounds her life,
she is wilting from the strife,
distraction, noise fills the air,
she kicks and rears like a mare.

Wild eyes shift from right to left,
revealing feeling bereft,
she lunges forward and darts,
fleeing from racket, she parts.

Solitude envelops all,
tension eases and she falls,
soft grass welcomes and comforts,
her fingers caress soft dirt.

Thinking opens to clarity,
unfolding to hilarity,
most try to escape their thoughts,
but her thoughts are what she sought.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Pill Popping Society

Anxiety, anxiety,
a pill popping society,
antidepressants are the norm,
new personalities are formed.

Blank faces in crowds, dressed in stress,
sport their uniforms freshly pressed,
drifting through days without feelings,
boasting of their half-baked dealings.

Worry, never stop worrying,
on the move, always hurrying,
time is the biggest enemy,
fading like smoke from a chimney.

Want to heal? Take another pill.
Robot-like is an immense thrill.
Anxiety, stress and worry,
endorsed by the masses jury.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Work Place

Funeral parlors are more upbeat,
than the atmosphere where we meet;
wearily our feet drag along,
somewhere our heart has lost its song.

Team spirit folded long ago,
colleagues treat the boss as their foe;
biting comments intend to hurt,
greetings are impolite and curt.

The boss invited all this strife,
fights at work, his tongue like a knife;
known for his partiality,
lacking perceptibility.

Informers mingle amongst us,
deceivers that daily we cuss;
welcomed in the boss’s circle,
glimpsing them turn faces purple.

The undesirables will fall,
but always there will be a wall;
damage done cannot be undone,
the work place will never be fun.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Fate

Standing majestically tall,
bearing fruit for all,
sways the leaves of the palm tree,
inviting me,
to indulge in the sweetness of its dates,
while pondering my fate.

I close my eyes and savor the taste,
eating each without any haste;
when an enveloping peace sweeps me,
into a dream that I clearly see.
Thousands of palm trees
are smiling and singing:

You married a man from the country
of the dates,
to live in his country
is your fate.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Tiers to Heaven

I will bake a cake with tiers to heaven,
you can climb in increments of seven,
at each gate stop and perform a good deed,
for rich and for poor that is all you need.

Do you want to climb now, no not today,
you’re not quite ready to start on your way,
knowing if you climb and fail, you will fall,
the cake looks overwhelming, it’s so tall.

Every seventh tier offers new splendors,
including what your good deeds have rendered.
Get on your way! What are you waiting for?
Do your good deed and tap on that gate’s door.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Rusty

God called Rusty home on July 25.
His wife Janice asked me to write
a poem to express her gratitude to
all their friends who have provided
comfort and support during such a
difficult time.

How do I express what is in my heart
since God called Rusty and we had to part?
The love pouring forth from our dear friends' eyes,
gives needed strength for the final goodbye.

I feel blessed to be surrounded by friends,
reaching out to comfort while my heart mends.
All your thoughts and prayers, flowers and letters,
shower kindness and make me feel better.

But what gives me the greatest happiness?
You were a part of Rusty's life and miss
all the little things that made him stand out,
and cherish thoughts of what he was about.

Words seem inadequate to say thank you,
so I will send love to all of you who
keep Rusty's family close in your prayers,
as we slowly heal layer by layer.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Latest Craze

Cyber love is the latest craze,
hearts pounding, minds are in a daze,
imagination is alive,
as appearances are contrived.

Lonely, I race to my keyboard,
investing time, I can afford,
anticipation is thrilling,
if once again he is willing.

A smile widens, he is online,
nimble fingers are feeling fine,
sexual innuendos bounce about,
lust is in the air; there’s no doubt.

My words fly across cyberspace,
to a person without a face,
that is cool, it’s fun to ponder,
at his end, he also wonders.

Cyber dating is contagious,
even though it sounds outrageous,
love is floating in cyberspace,
attacking at a rapid pace.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Growing Old

I slipped and fell and bounced down marble stairs,
rickety bones groaned, bruises everywhere,
“You clumsy fool” replaced “how are you hon?”
Who in the world said growing old is fun?

Who’s that staring at me in the mirror
with wrinkles and eyes reflecting fear?
Wisps of grey hair escape from a French bun,
who in the world said growing old is fun?

My weight shifts to an undesired place,
many gowns, too small, display yellowed lace;
I hate to admit that I’ve gained a ton,
who in the world said growing old is fun?

Restlessly I flip and flop every night,
my tired eyes are blinded by sunlight;
exhaustion strikes like a shot from a gun,
who in the world said growing old is fun?

“A penny for your thought” cost me a dime,
my memory fails me most of the time.
What’s your name boy? Did you say you’re my son?
Who in the world said growing old is fun?

I can’t see small print or hear the doorbell;
I forgot the hole and fell in the well;
limping through life, I can no longer run,
who in the world said growing old is fun?

Layers of clothing fail to keep me warm.
Where am I? In a hospital or dorm?
Am I young or old is life’s greatest pun,
who in the world said growing old is fun?

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Desert

Mesmerized by sand dunes
as the wind sings its tunes;
shapes shift repeatedly
as sand soars regally.

What breathtaking beauty,
guarding it, a duty;
nature’s best creation,
sparks imagination.

Colors splash the dunes’ peaks
that the sunset rays seek;
sand sparkles like crystals,
casting light on thistles.

The day fades into night
which parades stars so bright;
listen, the desert calls,
warmly welcoming all.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Glimpse

Pink and yellow polka dots,
appear as florescent spots,
shining in the morning dew,
spreading wings to show their hue.

Butterflies make me marvel,
I gape at them and shovel,
petals of roses and mums,
while listening to bees hum.

Enveloped in richest scents,
a glimpse of heaven is lent,
I’m at peace at this moment,
knowing complete enjoyment.