I left passion behind as a burned and tattered child.
My soul burned like a white-hot iron meant to forge swords in the darkness.
As I burned, I twisted to escape the flame and ran through the deep black night.
I ran, free but lost.

I finally found my way as I wandered toward an unknown destination.
On roads less traveled winding and twisting through hidden forests.
Vaulted cliffs of desire, fear and failure thwarted me.
Finally, I crashed into the rocks of my familiar shore.

Ten years passed
My daughter is becoming
I watch her grow in awe
As I look up I see her

I see her for who she is
I see her for who she’ll become
And I see her
I see her

I see her do her best
I see her tell the truth
I see her persevere
As my heart swells like a balloon

I love her
More than life itself
More than the universe
As I look up

I sat down today and thought;
it’s time to do this.
I know it will happen as sure as the sun,
and just like that, I’m ready.

My conviction like steel.
My eyes fixed.
I sharpened my wit, and calm my nerves.
I’m sure; I’m confident.

It’s time.

Pressed wildflowers
Lillies with white and gold
Roses with bright green stems and wicked thorns

I heard you like them,
these flowers are beautiful,
are they not?

Do they look perfect in this light?
Are they too much?
Gold lace tracing smooth glass with a glowing sheen;
have your eyes wandered already?

The white tablecloth makes it all pop!
Red wine and dark wooden chairs
A campfire crackles with the music
It’s too much, is it not?

Writing poetry is a self-centered act
With a chance of rain

A chance to rain on another soul
To create a rainbow-colored bridge of humanity

To look up from ourselves
As we change ourselves, and sometimes the world