Winds of change

Blackened the sky

Eclipsing a light 

Once so alive

In darkness 

Blinded by pain

They walked a path

That very few take

A loss so somber 

Loneliness reigned

Their innocence forsaken

They searched their faith

They suffered in silence

While eyes turned away

Their destiny sealed

By a twist of fate

Forced to mature

Far too soon

Years slowly passed 

As the storm raged on

The depth of their sorrow

Buried deep inside

Solely expressed

Within their eyes

A lonely place 

Where truth resides

Remembering my small fingers 

Clutched securely 

Within your hand

Our arms swinging 

As you walked

And I skipped 

Happily, as we laughed

While cautiously keeping step 

Avoiding sidewalk cracks 

That if stepped upon

Would break our mother’s backs

Our smiles etched reflections 

Splashed firmly upon 

Shiny storefront glass

As your grasp 

Silently signified

An undivided love to last

As I reminisce 

I recall another

Who offered me his hand

With promises kept

To have and to hold

We held on tight

Although our love 

Did not grow old

It brought forth

Two glorious gifts

That arrived precisely 

In their own perfect time

I held their little fingers 

Soundly within mine

But somehow they quietly

Slipped away

As they grew up overnight

They’re able now 

To stand alone firmly

But every once and again

We walk together

Skipping through memories

Reflections of time

That has passed lovingly by

From one generation 

To the next

Hand in hand

We’ll hold securely

Merging the future 

Forever with the past

Which path do I take

With one foot immersed 

Securely in the past 

Repeating old habits 

Hard to break 

While the other seeks autonomy

In a new and better place 

How do I become someone 

Who no longer contemplates

A life that could have been

And instead lives for today

Throwing caution to the wind

I’ll have to start slowly

Taking one step at a time 

Letting go of your hand 

That I’ve held elusively in mine

Why are new beginnings 

And necessary changes 

So very hard to invoke 

If I choose to embark on the future

Must I leave the past behind

I long to feel the suns warm rays

As they gently caress my face

While climbing 

Captivating mountain peaks

Claiming each new obstacle

One victory at a time

I’ll probably still reach for you

When I fall

It’s comforting to know 

That your hand will

Always be there 

If, only in my mind

Recollections of your love 

Give me the courage 

To converge

My once upon a time 

Life of yesterday

With the reality

That is today

Roll down my cheek

Leaving a stain

That I can never erase

Memories resurface

To remind me again

Of a raging storm 

That should never have been

Things hastily said

Emotions entwined 

Words thrown astray

Misunderstandings that

Caused immense pain

Can’t be revoked 

Or unspoken once said

A torrential downpour

Of thoughts flood my mind

I hope that you’ve found

A place warm and dry

As I never again

Want to feel 

The tears that you cry

Lost in brilliance

Sleepless and alive

Mesmerized by 

Twinkling lights

Dancing diamonds

Finely polished by 

The nights velvety black sky

Safe beneath their glow

I linger

Trusting their familiar patterns 

To embrace me

A welcome home

They continue to delight

Despite years travelled

I’m a child once again

As their stedfast scenes entertain

Whether shooting across the heavens 

In a silvery flash

Or quietly at rest

They fall before my awaiting eyes

As I gleefully attempt a capture

So elusive are they 

As they disappear from sight

Their promise to return

Brings me back 

To this unwavering expanse

A constant companion

A comforting contrast

To chaos and turmoil

Littering the ground

This utter serenity above

A most powerful retreat

A gentle friend

To calm and shelter me

At days end

Though times change

And life fades

Diamonds are forever

A heavenly refrain

Just as a perfect rose

Majestically stands alone

Upon your pedestal

Perched center stage

You are at home

A flawless image

Cultured and poised

You command the room

Captivating those 

Who’ve come in reverence 

To witness your elegance

As your talent unfurls

Firmly rooted, they’re mesmerized

By this mellifluous serenade

That unfolds,

Just as petals of a delicate rose

While love rains tenderly 

Under a thundering applause

This gracious garden grows

In thankful repose

On this special night

Time, a single thorn

Brings the eve to a close

As excited anticipation ignites

Bold red flares take flight

Then descend so gently 

Just as falling petals 

Of an exquisite rose

An enchanting sight

And a lovely way to, 'Say Goodnight'

Bravo, beautiful Rose

As my feet slowly slip 

Beneath the endless sand

Waves appear as mountains

As I go under again

I find myself gasping for air

Unable to breathe

Relentless, the powerful sea 

Washes over me

Hard to believe its gentle touch

May offer me an end

As I drift my eyes capture

The wings of a soaring bird

Suddenly it lifts me

Carries me 

I'm free