Where do you go

to take off your shoes

wiggle your toes

put your feet up

and your hands behind your head?

When you are there

do you breathe slowly

laugh deeply

smile broadly

and open your mind?

Why do you chase

the clutter

the clouds

the confusion

Instead of welcoming

Anticipation

Surprises

Excitement?

How can you find

that place inside yourself

that frees your imagination

opens your possibilities

and lets your mind kick its shoes off?

I hold in my mind
your picture
I pause,
can’t help myself
I smile,
Do my dancing eyes reveal
my secret?
I wonder.
Does it really show?
It feels electric,
Like sparks from within
Is it just in my mind?
Or all over my face

Gray Haired Soldiers

Above my brow they wave to me
A cautionary tale
As soldiers guarding gates of gold
Stand strong behind a veil

They mark the days and ways gone by
They're crumbs along the path
As earmarked signs of work and time
The effort put forth I hath

To cover them might be a shame
A mask might keep them hid
They show themselves for not I can
Turn years back to when they're rid

For days gone by are worthy foes
And days before hold promise
The soldiers call for reinforcements
To light the path before us

Where is the sun

I need it's light

Without, it's dark

And only night

Where caution leads

Before the dawn

And fear lurks close

Before the 'morn

With light

The shades of gray will fade

Their cloaked dismay

May shy away

The fear they bring

No longer hold

The tremors through

Our souls they've sold

The shadows lift

And with the night

They take away

Our fears in flight

For with the light

The dawn will lift

Our fears away

And set adrift

We walk down a path

Our thoughts set to flight

And are taken away

Through dawn of the night

The risk of today flies

With  rise of the moon

Caution set to wind

From fears come to soon

And what we have near

Are forgotten for  Promise

From dreams that will dawn

With chances we  might miss

And hold tight our breath

When dreams of tomorrow

Where all but forgotten

From tonight or from sorrow

A hope and a rainbow

A chance and a dream

A catch of our breath

And a new time to scream

What kind of stories do you tell if you let yourself truly go?  Are they amazing tales that mark your life and keep your imagination bright with all the colors of feelings and emotions and experiences that you let explode on your landscape?  What is your life's topography?  Hilly, rocky, changing depths, changing directions, colors exploding?  Do your stories make you smile? Make you happy? (am I just a story to tell)

Or is your tale one of sound bites, muted by fear, kept small by necessity, reality?  Tans and grays all kept dull, to fade into the background because you didn't dare stand out, be noticed.  You don't dare grab the brass ring and run.  Or even worse, you don't even try for fear you'll fall, or fail, and be laughed at. Who did you think you were - how on this day or any other could you be that good, that worthy of love, of happiness?

So look in the mirror little one, young or old it makes no matter, you are playing small. Look with eyes open wide. See beyond (around or through) the veil you hide behind - find your colors, paint them bright and bold - paint them with broad strokes and make them splash. Let them come alive. For you are letting life pass you by, by hiding. By covering who you can be, who you are. Don't be afraid. You have still many wonderful stories to live, to write, to tell. 

How do I let
Myself be free
Of dread and fear and worry
How do I let
My imagination run
Free to romp and scurry
How do I let
My dreams grow
Like wings that spread and flurry
How do I slow
The pace of life
To be rid of all the hurry
How do I let
My love explode
Instead of hidden, buried

If I can keep
That thought, that feeling
Alive for just
A moment more
It would be
The thing that makes
Me smile and know
What dreams are for
I close my eyes
They take me back
To hear the words
That I adore
They make me feel
Alive and long
For more that makes
Me want to soar

I'm not running away, 
I'm finding a place
Building a space
To hide

I'm not looking for more
I'm looking for now
Finding out how
I'll cope

I'm not willing to bare
I'm guarding myself
Finding what else
I'm not

I'm not planning to be
I'm holding my breath
Questioning what's next
For me

To start, in spite of knowing 
To act, though it won't matter
To smile, yet not enough ...
to erase, the fear
To laugh, to keep from crying
To boast, to lie, that it's nothing
To fear, I can't hide... enough 
To dream, of a different end

I ran away
Afraid to find
To push too far
To give in
To where I wanted
To be
Because if I 
Stood on the ledge
And fell
Would you catch me
Would you be there
At all
So I stop myself
From looking, or wishing
So tears I shed
As I turn
And walk
Away

Strength to take a hand
Strength to make a stand
Strength to do what's right
Strength to stand and fight
Strength to make a name
Strength to take the blame
Strength to walk ahead
Strength to forget what's said
Strength to close my eyes
Strength to not to cry 

Don't say yes,
If what you mean is no...
Don't lie,
Because you can't admit the truth...
Don't smile,
When you know it sends the wrong message...
Don't cheat yourself,
Because you aren't the only one short changed...
Don't despair,
It's never to late to do the right thing.

glass half empty
shattered shards scatter
slivers slice unsuspecting
fingers, toes, feet
cutting through the surface
scars
unseen, unnoticed

My Narrative from TCRWP - Writing

Cautiously, she comes out of the hallway and into the living room.  Slender, athletic, tiny black sliders and a gray stretchy tube top that she just bought on her own.  In between the top and bottom, her bare, flat stomach stretches long and lean...and in the middle dances her latest bangle on her belly button piercing.

I look at her and raise an eyebrow, "Really?!"

My 14 year old daughter has a body that most women would kill for, or at least pay good money to create.  Shee seems oblivious.

"Mom.  You don't know what they wear.  I do!  I have friends who've been.  I know!"  She is committed to this.  Adament.

Her father makes his presence felt by proclaiming, "You're not going out like that!"

Shelby screams, "YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING.  YES, I AM!!!"

Her main concern is really whether her gray top goes with the outfit and that she had planned to wear black sliders over white ones, but now she can't because to her, the white and gray don't match.

"Seriously!!" I think.  Who'll know.  In the dim light of the club, who can tell if one is gray and one is white. 

But she can tell. She would know.

Freedom blows in the wind
The light sparkles, teasing you to imagine...
A dream
A possibility 
If you close your eyes, you may even make it real
...for just this second. 
And sometimes, that may be enough

New York Day 7

Tomorrow is the 4th of July.  Boy, does this city get crowded.  But then again, I don't know that it has to be the 4th of July...it can probably be just about any weekend or holiday and you have people.  People everywhere.  It is actually lovely early in the mornings or Sunday evenings...at least this evening by the hotel, because most people tend to be somewhere else.  I'm sure I wouldn't feel that way if I were in Time's Square, which seems to be crowded most any time, except between 7 and 9 am, and then it is realistic.

Today was rainy...and my legs were screaming at me for walking all day yesterday and then today.

I started this about my adventures yesterday:

Here I go, walking around the city.  I identified my key points and wrote down the cross streets, in order, on a piece of paper.  Changed my purse to the larger size so I can carry more things, including water, and I'm off.

First, the Hell's Kitchen flea market.  Always amazing what people sell, or try to sell.  Stuff that I've thrown away, stuff that is....well, junk.  And the prices!  You'd think it was gold.

Then from Hell's Kitchen I head north to Lincoln Center.  Not really a bad walk.  I'm thankful that I'm used to walking.  And that gratitude doesn't end...as you'll see.

I'm also thankful for Starbucks.  Once on every other corner.  Usually they all have lines.  I guess that New Yorkers are glad for Starbucks too!  Always consistent, you always know what you'll get.  Same size, same taste.  They've become a necessary part of my routine.

I can't believe how hot it is.  The iPhone temperature says its 82.  Sure feels hotter.  Except when you get in the open and the wind blows.  Then, its lovely!

Speaking of the iphone, its the only camera I have. 
Cool building!  Click. 
Ooh! What a neat church!  Click.
Fordham University!  Click, click.
Oh my God!  I'm here.  It's Lincoln Center!!
Fountain!  Click!
Holy Shit!! I look like such a tourist. 
Tourist, that word has meant so many bad things in my life.  Hawaiian shirt, too high socks, and black or white walking shoes, sweaty, fat women, from the midwest, with ticket books shoved into their tube tops for easy access. "That'll be a B ticket please." ..."Ummmmm....If you could just tear it off, I'd appreciate it."

But tourist I am, none the less.  Others don't seem to mind.  They actually embrace it.  Stop, take a picture.  Smile, take a picture.  Can you take a picture of us?  That's what'll be missing from this trip...evidence that I was here.  OMG...The Julliard School...click!

So the walking went on and on without time for more writing.

From Julliard, I walked over to Central Park, back to Moma and Carnegie Hall, and then St. Patrick's Cathedral.  By this time, I had to head back to meet VB.  Then we started out again.  Up through the street festival on Avenue of the America's, found a subway station...take the 1 to South Ferry.  Rode the Staten Island Ferry to Staten Island, past the Statue of Liberty.  A short stop and then it's a trip back to Manhatten.  Then we're off to Ground Zero...then to Seaport Village and then to China Town.  We stop to each at a restraunt that has frog and eel pieces listed on the menu and who ducks hanging in the window.  Food was actually OK.  Back to the subway and the hotel.  I'm stinky, I'm tired, but it's Saturday night and I'm in NY and I'll be damned if I'm in my hotel room from 7pm...so I head out again (to my husband's disapproval)...unfortunately, I don't get farther than the grill in Bryant Park.  Can you make a dirty martini?  Sure!  (I have got to admit that I've NEVER been served one in a water goblet before).  Finally back about 10:30.  Wooooooo...exciting night.

Today we were awoken by rain and thunder.  Meeting at 11 to head out, we ride the subway up to the Frick museum...pretty cool actually, but too many museum Nazi's for my taste.  Don't touch, don't take a picture, did I see you act like you were going to lean on that?  Then off to Central Park.  Because of the rain the park was pretty dead.  A walk from the park back along Madison Avenue and then to Grand Central Terminal...and then Times Square to Bubba Gump.  Finally, back to the hotel and time to do laundry.  Tonight, I really didn't mind being in at 7.  I'm tired and like I said, my legs were screaming at me.

Tomorrow's our last day off before workshops start again...stay tuned!

Day 5 NY

I love this city, but feel I don't fit in. Everyone is younger, or older...richer or poorer...fatter or thinner...but mostly thinner. They all look way more hip, even in their too tight cotton skirts or too loose linen dresses. I've never seen so many bony legs in my life.

I love the busyness, I love the excitement, I love the life. I can get lost in it. A spectator. Watching. Taking it all in. But not partaking. Not living. Just watching. It's safe that way.

On my list of to-dos there are many sights. Who knows if I will ever have this chance again. I want to fit thenm ALL in. I want to see and be all that is NY...in 14 days or less. I don't want to carry the fear of those who are with me. I don't want to guard and plan(ad nasium) and pretend I don't see the life swirling around me. I don't want to speed walk past, from place to place, for fear I may pause, I may see, I may be seen.

I want to live, I want to be.

New York - Day 4 - writing practice

Today my day was filled with blacks and golds, reds and grays.  It was small moments that were vivid with color...and taste, if thoughts and memories were colors or tastes.  If they were a food, they would have been candy, licorice and butterscotch or meat and potatoes.  Yet the big moments have no color at all, no texture, no taste.  They are oatmeal...or mush.  And they will not last in my mind, my memory.

In one case they are the gates of Barnard.  (OMG Barnard College! - the legendary...am I really here?) The gates are shiny black with peaks of gold.  They scream of both protection and promise, but they gleam, both black and gold with pride and promise.  They are beef wellington.  They are protection guarding delicious expectation.

In another case the pictures are fiery red, but the red of solid brick, not that of fire engines.  The structure that is Teacher's College is a fixture, a bastion, a landmark.  Regal, dignified, a fortress.  It is the meat and potatoes of education and instruction.  It is solid, protective and still contains substance and promise.  Intellectual challenge.

And yet, I find that I'm pleasantly surprised by the rats.  Really?  Subway rats are cute!  They didn't look big and nasty...and then outside the gates of Columbia today stood two huge, gray, inflatable rats.  Ten feet tall.  They swayed a little as the wind blew against them.  What a surprise!  Why were they there?  They were like meringue...white (or gray) and fluffy...and yet not sweet and somewhat tasteless.  Both comical and unexpected.

But in spite of this, I feel encased by brown, the color of cardboard in the cage of the routine, trapped...cramped for space, confined.  It's graham cracker without sugar.  It's rye toast. 

Yet the sounds are magical.  They are a kaleidoscope,the spectrum, a calliope of sound....they are sirens, and carousals, and children and traffic.  birds chirping.  Both background and song.

It's the colors that I remember that shade the days.  How do I make my small moments bigger and my big moments smaller?  How do I give color to the black and whites and shades of gray to give color to my days?

Day 3

Here we go again. The already established morning routine made getting to the worship a much easier task than yesterday. The meeting in the lobby, the walk to the subway,and the 2 blocks to Teachers College. I imagine that by the end of our two weeks here, it will feel like home.

The power of a dynamic presenter is clear through Lucy Calkins, the workshop developer. Her style, her story telling, she pulls you into the process so you not only hear the steps, but feel the significance of it. The story pulls you in and gives you buy-in. Makes you feel and believe that you want to make it your own.  In this case, to be a writer.

I'm fascinated by the teachers here and wonder if it's been too long since I was last part of the group. Don't get me wrong, that's a good thing. Missing are the teachers who only focus on their classrooms, their students and the limited perspectives that that life brings.  Gone are the teacher sweaters with apples and pencils.  And in their place are faces who look like they belong to this profession, as well as to any other.  Athletic figures, trendy clothes, youth, by my benchmark at least, who can bring more to their students and their classrooms than to say, "I am here for you."  They can also tell them, "Let's explore this world together."  I find the change of population both refreshing and promising.


A trip to dinner, one of the few we will be served, was marked by the familiar routine.  To find the "right" location, VB searched through Google.  Apparantly, it's opinion is more well respected than that of the hotel conceirge.  Once a possible location was identified, it's location was scrutinized for proximity to the hotel; it's menu was examined for both price and the certainty that it contained a choice she would find satisfactory.  Once a restraurant passed this test, it's menu was disseminated to other's so they could weigh in on it's suitability.  In the end, it was a secretary's recommendation that was followed and all were sufficiently satisfied.

Today was better than yesterday, but in all aspects of the trip.  I imagine that tomorrow will be better still. I can't wait to see what will unfold in the days ahead.

Day 2

Is it really day 2? Is it only day 2? Is it really 7pm and I'm sitting alone in my hotel room in Times Square?

Surprises and acknowledgements mark today, the surprises are sweet and the acknowledgements aren't, and the story is somewhere in the middle.

I woke with a jolt this morning, frightened that I had overslept or the alarm had failed to ring, the morning sky bright, minutes before sunrise. Oh no!  What happened?  5:30?  What? And then the realization dawned with the sun that longer daylight hours will be my companion on this trip.  Woo Hoo!  There is nothing that I like more, and I mean that with all sincerity, than to wake to the sunshine.

The city, the subway, the people, the traffic, all negotiated without problem.  But for the city, it's busy, it's alive and as much as I have loved the last 24 hours, being here, by myself...or what may as well be, has reassurred me that while I will enjoy the next 13 days, that at this place in my life, I feel that I'm living where I should be or at least where I want to be and by that I mean geographically..

The morning workshops were wonderful!  The stories of children and their writing left me inspired...made me cry...and drove me to want to write more than ever.  They also led me to realize the power of the process and the value of this gift that I've been given.  So I write.

The afternoon workshops, well let's just say, that some presenters are more prepared and better story tellers than others.   Coherence and flow, and connecting the big picture to individual roles...how does this process play out for administrators?  Where do we fit with coordinating and facilitation?  It should be more than learning the steps and guessing whether we've done it right.

Part of my goal in coming here, was to get some perspective on issues in my life. Problems and responsibilities that I'm owning that aren't mine, except by my own making and adoption.  The power that the perceived expectation holds over my actions, not wanting to let others down or to disappoint...and yet I arrive in this city, full of expectations, and my sense of what I SHOULD do has left me to accompany one who should not need her hand held.  And so I devote some half hearted time to "doing what I should" and then making excuses of chores that I must do to escape to freedom.

Freedom.  Is that what this is? Make the obligitory calls to family and take a quick walk.  Watch all the people passing so quicky by. Most in their isolated bubbles, no eye-contact, purposeful steps, taking them quickly to unknown destinations. And so it's 7pm and I'm back in my hotel room, writing this.

Homework looms ahead, and tasks for the work that sent me here.  But for now, it's 7pm and I sit and write...and wait for the grocery man to bring my rations for the week...and coctails, because who would think that a liquor store would be so hard to find ...so for now, I'll sit here and write.

Day 1

Old habits are hard to break - like the ones that say, "It's time to check in, time to call home."  But the awkward silence and stilted conversation after, "Hello" is the vivid reminder that this time, it's different.

Even worse than the problematic dialogue are the times when the story takes over and its like nothing is different.  Those are the times that I have to stop myself.  Those are the times that I scream, "Don't you dare go there!"  Because if it isn't different, if its too much like old times, then someone will hold out expectation of a return where all is back to normal...and the one returning will dread it even more than usual because it will mean that the battle will wage with even greater fury and leave more weight to push over the embankment. 

But now to the point of the post and the end of day 1. 

The flight was OK, with the usual turbulance.  And while I noticed the screeming child, it wasn't until we landed and a man quickly rushed to my row to retriew his bags and cursed the kid and his parents that I realized how frustrated many on the flight had become over this 2 year old who could not yet talk, yet made his will known in hoots and hollers (mostly hollers) and who had apparently terrorized those seated around him, this man being one.  They wanted to punch the parents, they wanted to gag the kid, they wanted off the plane.  Unfortunately for them, we arrived too early to the gate to have the local gateworker's union member at the ready to help us deplane.  So we all practiced patience, some better than others.

The taxi ride was uneventful, however never having ridden in a New York cab before, I have to admit that the drivers in India have nothing on these guys.  They invented the term pushy New Yorker!

The hotel is OK...definitely nothing special, but home for the next 2 weeks.  I'm sure it will grow on me.  I just hope that it doesn't grow to the point that I'd rather sit inside than venture out into the world.

So far, my boss (VB) is OK.  She likes order and plans, I think they make her feel safe.  She did have to see me room, my view...probably to make sure it was no better than hers.  But a quick in and out was all it took.  She's on a higher floor, but still same view.  I don't plan on visiting her view unless summonned. We went to the Times Square subway station and got our metro cards for the next week.  And then we had chinese food.  Not bad as far as meals are concerned. At least the cost was within my per diem.

The highlight of the day had to be the gay pride parade. I don't know how impromptu it was, but there were blocks and blocks of paradeees...out in force, celebrating their flamboyance and their right to marry.  Really? May be its just where I am in life right now, but I don't get the attraction.  But it was a festive time that I think can only compare to Key West at Fantasy Fest time. 

After hearing that I had taken some great pictures, VB wanted me to send a copy. Oh, would she be alarmed.  ...this is the same person who said that she was happy we didn't have to stop in front of the gentelman's club (when JT went into a store)...she wouldn't want anyone to get a wrong idea.  ....WOW!  I don't really think there's any problem there!!

The morning will come early.  Leaving the hotel at 7:15 to head uptown....who knows what the day could bring?

He was real...very cool!

Lunch break - Girl Scouts of the U.S.

Yes, I know he's gay...but what a nice rear view!

What a festive outfit...

Waiting for that feeling to start

Yesterday was quite a day! And I am very glad it is over. Drama from everyone...

That feeling that I'm talking about is that calm that comes over me when I'm leaving on a trip. Somehow, this time it's different though. I've never been gone for 2 weeks...I'm traveling with colleagues who I don't know all that well, and I just don't know how much drama I will have to filter while I'm away. I want to be excited, I'm trying to be excited, but I want to not come back to the same old thing.

On a different note, it amazes me how many people get aggravated with airport security. They don't want their bag checked, they don't want scanned...really? If we all do it, then what is the problem? Why should you be special?

Almost boarding time...next stop, New York!

The Count Down has started!

Well, t minus 2 hours until I leave the office (or may be less).

I haven't been able to tell many people how excited I'm getting for this trip!  May be its just excitement to be somewhere else!!  I certainly can't put it on FB.  Oh, I'll post some things, but they will be the stripped down, edited, milk toast, read to your 5 year old version of the trip.

I can't put on FB that I'm thrilled...my family would be pissed.  And boy, would I hear about that!

I also can't write about the exploits with the Dean.  Since I have one of her staff as my FB friend...that just wouldn't be wise for my career.

So, I'm going to use this...I hope you don't mind getting notifications when I put up something new! Just a few more tasks and I'm headed home.  Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!

We drink...

We drink to our tears
We drink to our fears
We drink to events
That have marked the years

We drink to our stresses
And beautiful dresses
And those talented, marvelous
He/she's who coif tresses

We drink to our nights
And beautiful flights
That take us away from
Our everyday plights

We escape all our drama
Our daddies, our mommas
and create new tales
To replace all our traumas

Our tomorrows
Our sorrows
Our dreams
That we've borrowed

Form every small hope
That we build as we grope
And with every new day
We continue to cope.

Azure skies

To close my eyes
And dream sweet dreams
To float on clouds
Above azure streams
To have a wish
And hold it near
To hold your hand
To keep you near
For in your eyes
My promise dawns
And our tomorrows
For daylit morns
Then sunlight sets
And the moon does rise
For hopes and dreams
Fly on sunlit skies
I close my eyes
And azure skies
Yield hopes and dreams
And peace and sighs....

Inside the well,
The coin, it fell,
From my hand,
No time to plan,
The right words,
May not be heard,
Too much to say,
I'll hope and pray
That from my heart,
Our lives would start
To treasure moments few,
And love renewed.

We take a step
And a breath
And we act
And then pause
We guess
And then question
We know our path
But not our destination

With each breath
And each step
We reach
A close end

Each action moves us
Out of complacency
Toward an end
And yet steps away from
A new beginning.

I imagine the day
That I felt joy
The vision bold
The story told

I know the time
That I heard bliss
The sounds rejoice
As tunes exist

To feel the sigh
And know today
Is but the way
For thoughts I pay

May bring my dreams
Or hope, or glee
To fill some joy,
And love, in me.

Forever tomorrow
Is the promise we hold
For yesterday's a memory
And today our hope unfolds

Forget the steps
We took today
Our dreams betray our path

For our future flies
On windswept wings
A stronghold yet unleashed

And yet tomorrow
Takes a chance
For today our aftermath

Is but the leap
To hold the hope
With promise no longer ceased.

Accept the beauty in all that surrounds you
Let those who fill your days, also fill your hearts.

To know the steps to take
Is not what moves us forward
Alone each simple act
Creates the dreams that are our lives

Wishes lead to steps,
For dreams we see give life
To thoughts that we belive
Are tomorrow's destiny

Where?

Where do we run,
When we have fear?
Where do we hide,
When we have no one near?
Where do we turn,
When we can't see the truth?
Where do we look,
When we need to find proof?
Where will we dig,
When we need to feel love?
When will our power to be
Strengthen our faith from above?

Behind closed eyes

Behind closed eyes I see
Your face, your smile, your hands
I hear your voice and yet it fades
As each day passes
I wait, and wish
But today, just like the last
Without a word
And as time passes
Hope slowly dies
As dawn comes once again with silence

Close

Close...(sigh)
So near I feel your breath
Softly blow across my cheek
Gently move whisps of hair
Like feathers
  light, sublime delight
I can't bear to move
For fear it will stop or worse
I'll awaken
Never to feel this close again.

I want to laugh
I want to have fun
I want to be free
I want to run
Away from those
Who cause pain and fear
I want to have hope
Without a care
The future holds promise
If we just believe
It's just after the dawn
For us to receive

Not one spot

Not one spot,
To stand upon,
I need to move
And go beyond

Not one role,
Or part to play
So much to do
And more to say

Not one place,
To live my life
So many ways
To know what's right

Not one path
Or road to choose
The more I take
The less I lose

Through silent words
And silent screams
Our silent dreams
Are left unseen

I go down a path
And often look back
For the choices I made
Were always a trade
And the chances I took
Caused seldom a look
'Cause the goal up ahead
Was of hope and no dread
To work to a goal
But still play it safe
Is a hope to go forward
Yet steps scared to make
For fear or for dread
We shade o'er our dreams
And our steps fall unsure
Throughout dreams insecure
And yet eyes filed with hope
And minds filled with dreams
We voice our concerns
Yet we still believe

Hear the love

I close my eyes
And hold my breath
And wait...

To hear your sighs,
Feel your caress
For fate

Brings you to me
And feel you need
The love I have
Your touch, the need
I wait to hear you
Hear the love
I feel for you tonight

... with Me

Play with me
Hope with me
Laugh with me
Dream with me
Run with me
Live with me
Cry with me
Be with me
Jump with me
Dance with me
Learn with me
Long with me
See with me
Hear with me
Smile with me
Try with me
Stare with me
Scream with me
Sceem with me
Live with me
Love with me

Across the Water

Across the water, on the wind
O'er fields of grass, the warm breeze blows

In sunny skies the cloulds float by
The waves crash in, the cold stream flows

On dancing toes they prance and flutter
Not standing still, but to and fro

Too bold, too tired, they rush and wander
Too fleeting to let an idea grow

And so the slides go past at pace
Too fast to see, too brief to know

The scenes in my distracted mind
Take me out of the present with places to go

Friends to treasure

Caring smiles and patient ears
Knowing you'll share my laughs and fears
Open doors and warm hellos
Trusted friends I've come to know
A day made special, a wonderful time
Memories that will always be mine
The time and gestures I'll remember forever
Thankful to have friends like you to treasure

I've Always Wondered

I've always wondered if this new day
Would bring with it promise
Or a way to pay

The hope of future or leassons learned
Would the dawn break with new
Lessons to learn

For with the break of each new dawn
We wait to be
The king or pawn

Today the dusk and sunset leaves
The dread of worry
Our chests will heave

Tomorrow who knows what the future holds
For deaf the ears
To terrors unfold

The hope, and prayer, the answer unknown
Be just a wish
May set the tone

And tonight I dream of terrors unknown
For the dream of the future
And events unknown

I Want to Be

I want to be the princess
Who you rescue with your might.
I want to be the wish you make
When you see the stars at night.
I want to be the promise
That you hope tomorrow brings.
I want to be the music
That flows beneath the words you sing.
I want to be the sunrise
That gives you hope for each new day.
I want to be your dream at night
And make you smile after you pray.
I want to feel with certainty
To have no dread or doubt
For all these things you are to me
The love my life's about.

Another Dream

Another dream
Another vision
Moving forward
Another mission

A path to follow
A future to make
Tasks to tend to
Roads to take

Moving forward
Going fast
Never realizing
It won't last

The road, the choices,
The driven pace
Don't hold promise, or hope,
Or a better place

To have you here,
To talk, laugh, and chat
Is to hold tight to the promise
Of love that will last

For with you is the future
I hope together we'll make
It is a dream for tomorrow
And the path that we'll take

Let Slip Away

Let slip away forgotten tasks
Close your eyes on the past
Know you tried to do what's right
Slip off to sleep, turn out the lights
Let slumber hold you in it's arms
And bring sweet dreams to keep you warm
Tomorrow brings another day
To do your best in work and play

Wishes Lead

Wishes lead to steps
For dreams we see give life
To thoughts that we believe
Are tomorrow's destiny

To know the steps to take
Is not what moves us forward
Alone each simple act
Creates dreams that are our lives

I have to relax
And quiet my mind
To find the words
And make them rhyme