At the city park,
the playground gleamed
beneath a ruthless summer sun~
all steel and consequence.
The jungle gym was
a mountain range of
hot rungs and skinned knees.
The slide could blister
the backs of bare legs by noon.
But the merry-go-round
was legendary!
A circle of metal bars
spun by us wiry kids
who believed speed itself
was a worthy ambition.
We ran alongside,
shoving hard,
then leapt aboard,
breathless and triumphant.
Those who held on
stayed.
Those who didn't
left in spectacular fashion~
rolling through dirt and crabgrass,
wearing gravel
like temporary medals.
No one explained the rules of survival.
The machine did that.
Round and round,
it taught us
what childhood rarely says aloud:
The world moves faster than expected.
Grip what matters.
Laugh when you fall.
Climb back on.
Years later,
I understand why I
so vividly remember
the merry-go-round~
Not because it carried me,
but because it let me go.
Hold On
Hold on to loved ones and show that you care
Hold on to your principles, those you wish to share
Hold on to your dignity, when events are not so fair
Hold on to those memories that can never compare
Hold on to your inner strength with all of your might
Hold on to your will that makes you stand and fight
Hold on to your emotions, those that cause you fright
Hold on to your empathy for those not treated right
Hold on to your inquisitiveness to seek what is true
Hold on to your sensibilities, share your point of view
Hold on to your common sense that you always knew
Hold on to the possibilities of what may come anew
Hold on in all your strife
Hold on for dear life
No matter how many tears I cry
They'll never be enough
'Cause the days without you were splendidly tough.
It hurts my heart to the core
I can't wear that surface smile anymore
'Cause my wounds are still sore.
Till this day I admire you
-Like a ship to its crew.
The rising sun was crimson;
The setting sun was rose;
Am I traveling east or west?
My compass doesn’t show.
The North Star was high in the sky;
The Southern Cross was low;
Am I going North or South?
Nobody seems to know.
I travelled for a thousand miles,
Ending in the same place where I did start;
Nothing really left to show for it,
Except my tattered, broken heart.
The circumference of my circle of life
Might be two-pi-r-squared;
But the only equation that I really care about is
With whom will I be paired.
My words make no sense to me;
They haven’t for a long, long time.
What really challenges my hold on sanity,
Is the fact they always come in rhyme.
**Every House Holds a Story**
Every house conveys a story,
Each narrative unfolds layers of history.
Years of unspoken truths can influence our future,
Regardless of how carefully they are hidden.
Unlike the enigmatic identity of the Mona Lisa,
Some tales may be wiser, left unvoiced.
Within each home, there can linger unhealed heartache.
Every room serves as a subtle reminder of the past.
Once a heart is broken, the healing journey can be arduous.
Misinformation and concealed truths can foster a persistent sense of unease.
We all desire representation in our government,
A voice that advocates for our interests.
However, the onus for change rests with us,
The bow is taut, passion tight
Get a shot off! Get a shot off!
Where will the passion land?
A strategic misdirection
Waiting for sweet release
All possibilities in existence
A strategic misdirection
The essence of a passion tight
Before the shot goes off
A strategic misdirection
Watch your head! Mind your head!
Anticipated release
A strategic misdirection
Whilst the bow is taut
Get a shot off! Watch it fire!
Ready your art for war
Some days I seek beauty
In places I have not been before
I wonder if they will await me
While I find courage...to be the beauty
That I was made
Some nights I search for a future
That eludes me
I wonder why
I do not have the courage to
Settle into today
I uselessly toil in the found
Because of a fear
I do not even know
A quiet one brimming with rising confidence
A boisterous one with a fear that is immense
When the moment is here
And the choice becomes clear
It is the quiet one shouting hold my beer in defense
Where oh where can you be now?
Dreaming and waiting for you,
till I met you I will wait.
Baby has arrived.
In my arms you gently smile,
My world blossoms with hope.
Your tiny eyes shine brightly,
May tomorrow welcome your dreams.
My heart overflows with pride.
Your little footsteps inspire hope,
Every smile brings endless joy.
Wisdom always walks beside you,
Kindness becomes your true jewel.
Compassion fills your gentle heart.
Face the world with courage,
Truth becomes your faithful guide.
Honesty shapes your every step.
Win hearts through humble love.
Humanity walks beside your soul.
Mother's love gives you strength,
Father's dreams become your wings.
Every failure teaches wisdom.
Every victory teaches humility.
May your life spread bright light.
Your smile is my treasure,
Your happiness is my breath.
Become an inspiration to many.
I will support every dream.
Forever, your loving father.
When you do not know what to do - praise,
When the enemy’s breath draws near,
In the lion’s den - praise,
Is the furnace seven times hotter? - praise.
Do not give in to the enemy,
For His Bloodline surrounds you,
Help descends from heaven - so praise.
Let your atmosphere resound with songs,
Praise your way through to victory strong.
Lift the shield of faith, quench fiery darts,
Miracles rise in the fiercest parts.
You will walk on water - praise,
Let God arise, His enemies scatter.
Hold your head high, His covenant sure,
His promise of ‘watch’ shall ever endure.
Sunlight sparkles on the river,
marbled fire licking at the air.
Each glimmer erupts then fades
like people who we thought
we'd hold dear for an eternity
drifting into the world.
But if you tilt your head softly
you might hear their laughter
echoing beside your head,
like children sliding through your ears.
And if you close your eyes
you might feel gentle fingers
entwining into yours;
the summer wind clasping
its warm hands around your own.
And if only you'd look hard enough
they'll reappear, not in the water
but rather the night sky,
stars that shine steadfast.
Bask in their light.
how much pain can one person hold before they break
how many clowns can a clown car hold?
They began to get out, some had to unfold
I counted six, seven, eleven, up to ninety-nine
Then I lost count, which was in some way fine.
will you hold my hand
tell me how i make you feel
and kiss me softly
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