The College Experience

**You are more beautiful than a rose, but just as a flower blooms, so shall you.**
(Written on my daughter’s first day of school)

My little one is off to college…or so it seems.

Making new friends and exploring new environments, not a single glance back as she runs off into her new world.

The thought that it’s just the first year settles my soul, but not for long.

I’m reminded of how fast the years pass and how quickly our children grow. My eldest, not far from an adult; when, just yesterday, he was 3…or so it seems.

Now she will learn to read and write, and she will grow her own mind. She will, as my others have, need me less each day. There will be times she may even pull away. Through it all, my heart she’ll have.

Friendships made and hardships fought, throughout her life. Hearts once fallen into delight, shall sometimes break. Through it all, I’ll be there.

For, no matter how old my children get, Mamí is the one person they can count on. Count on for support, encouragement, or any other help. Most of all, though, they can count on me to love them and accept them unconditionally and always.

Left alone…or so it seems…hugs and kisses, until you’re in my arms again.

Silence

Much remains unsaid. Sometimes, I don’t know what to share. So much happens as we journey through this life. Most, I keep bottled up inside. There’s but a few I would dare share with, but they are nowhere to be found. There comes a point where I break. A junction of ill suppress, but all dead end. So, here I am. No choice, no victory. One last attempt. Failed miserably. No hope, no friend. Just me and my pen.

Darkness Calls

This is me, in the dark, while writing this poem. I hope everyone can see the light hidden underneath.

Here I am, again. I feel the pull towards thoughts devoid of pleasure or joy; not even, simply without unpleasantries.

The darkness falls. The light fades. Oh, sadness that be, let me free.

The thought, the thought, and the thought that follows. All thoughts lead to the dark and infinite hallows. I just want to rest.

The darkens falls. The light fades. Oh, sadness that be, let me free.

Strong as a call from the Wild. I feel it, I hear it. The call to an end. The call towards the dim. The call from the shadows.

The darkness falls. The light fades. Oh, sadness that be, let me free.

Think now, think. Plan and do. The darkness begs to be acknowledged. The darkness shall be ignored, no more.

The darkness calls. The light is gone. Oh, sadness that be, you may have me.

Darkness called, and I could not help but answer. That looks like a mighty good way to go. That is a mighty good place to rest.

The darkness called. The light is gone. Oh, sadness that be, you have me.

“That’s a Hell of an adventure, if it doesn’t kill you, or a peaceful way to die,” I think, “and, if you’re lucky, the journey there might show you the Sunrise….to last you to another call.”

Unity

I believe in the power of the mind. I believe in the magic of a soul. I believe in a world of dreams come true and happily ever afters.

The power of belief. The power of the will. The power of the mind. The power of the Universe. Power. Energy. Magic. This is what lets me know.

Will it, and it shall be. Travel to the destination of your imagination. This is what your mind creates. This is when your soul transforms. This is where your will takes you.

Somewhere out there, in a place unseen, is a valley of light. Somewhere out there, in a place we cannot hear, is an echo of laughter. Somewhere out there, just beyond our reach, are those who touch our hearts.

Let everyone know where I have traveled, and know this…those that are left behind, simply have yet to travel here. So, meet me in this land one day. Here, I shall be waiting. In this place, we shall unite again.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Dear loved one, who believed all this to be true…you have finally made the journey to this paradise. You lived so long in sadness, missing your soul mate. You fought for all your loved ones, and stayed strong until the very end. You were here for us all. Now, I am left with sadness, but also peace of mind. For, I know that you are happy by his side once more.

Yesterday would have been your birthday. Twelve days shy of ninety-nine, you left. But, this does not mark the end. So…Happy birthday, Grandma! Here’s to almost 99 years, and infinity!

You May Never Know

The Sun on a smoky day. Wildfires flooded the skies with ash and people couldn’t breath because of how bad the air conditions were. Yet, in the midst of it all, and the absence of clear skies, The Sun reminds us to look at the hidden beauty (the bright side).

You may never know. What you did to me. How it felt. The thought of it, brings tears to my heart. That once upon a time. The danger I faced. The darkness. The knight. Wished upon a star. How to express myself? This feeling I’ve kept inside for so long. Great full to have grown from it. In a time of need. Lucky you were there. You may never know what that meant to me, what you did for me…

But, I hope you will always know that I will, forever, be here for you.

–Dedicated to the average Hero. To the ones who touch us and change our lives, but don’t even know it.

True Love Potion

Love is powerful, love is magical…But, what is love?

Love is an eternal flame that burns in every caring heart.

Love can endure a lifetime and last forever more.

Love doesn’t cage, love doesn’t judge.

Love accepts and understands-seeing all flaws, but remains standing strong.

Love is kind, love is caring.

Love can be given to many, and has many forms.

Love is respectful, love is honorable.

Love may be hurtful, but it never aims to hurt.

Love is forgiving, love is a choice.

Love is never having to say “Sorry” but always wanting to.

Love is giving, love is sacrifice.

Love, in its true form, desires happiness for loved ones, even if it means saying goodbye.

Love is courage, love protects.

Love doesn’t excuse faults; instead, it helps one learn and grow.

Love is free, love is strong.

Love, in its own way is selfish, but selfless by nature.

Love is honest, love is vast.

Love gives without expecting and asks for nothing in return.

Love is natural, love is valuable.

Love is the most beautiful pain one chooses to endure for the greatest reward of all…

Love!

Snowbird

Over the years, I have written many poems for friends, family, and other loved ones. Some celebrate special occasions or love; while others, are just because. Here is another birthday poem:

How wonderful the sounds of laughter are, that I may compare them to a snowbird’s song.

Love to sing, love to hop, and dance the light of day away.

“Come and play”, “Tickle my back”, and “Scratch my belly”, too.

The heart as pure as snow, comes with a smile to warm your heart, and a touch to melt it.

The winter months bring these delights, as they brought you to me.

Just one hug, one more kiss, to never let you go.

For as you grow, so smart and beautiful, I will miss these days so.

Everyday, you get older; but, once a year, I realize just how old you are.

If only I could keep you small, for every day to come.

Yet, age will never end the love I have for you; for, I could only love you more with time.

And, every day I have you, I celebrate with pride. But, once again, this time a year, I get to share my Snowbird’s special day with others.

So, call out the snow, because…

When winter is near, I know your birthday is here.

The Forgotten Friend

*Sometimes, the word “friend” is used loosely*. Other times, *friendship is taken for granted.* A real friend, a good friend, is hard to find. However, when you find one, you will know because they accept you and appreciate you, just the way you are.

For those whom feel abandoned and forgotten, here is your voice:

Who can appreciate the friend who’s always there? The one that provides an ear, guidance, and their shoulder to lean or weep on.

Who can appreciate the friend that, not only gives you time, but makes the time? Outside of spare time, aside from their time.

Who can appreciate the friend who truly cares? The one whom plays the angel on your right shoulder and never steers you wrong.

Who can appreciate a friend that loves and accepts for real? That one who values the real you.

Who can appreciate a friend like me?

…no one can!

Thankful

When life seems bad, and nothing goes your way;

If you struggle everyday, and you can’t get on your feet;

During times of pain and sorrow, where you cannot find the good in your life;

Think about the chance you have, the one you are given with every beat and every breath…

To fight on and find change.

Today you might be freezing cold; tomorrow you may still be hungry…

But, one day, any second, you may see change.

The pain you have may last forever, but the strength to endure it grows with time.

Whether you find yourself alone, abandoned, or forgotten…that may not always be the case.

Take a breath and feel your heart beat.

Know that life has challenged you, but don’t give up the fight.

For, in a sea of hope and faith, lies wonders that may flow your way.

Believe in yourself. I’ll wish you lots of luck, along the way.

So, if you can’t find anything to be thankful for, just breath in and say:

I’m thankful that I can still fight to have a better life!

The Loss of Self

When you lose someone who makes you lose yourself, it is difficult to find a way back.

You wish you could get them back, but somethings ARE impossible.

One day you realize that, though you may never be the same, you can always get to know the new you.

You simply make a way to yourself that wasn’t there before. Then, you continue to search for more…

More from others and more from yourself.

So, even if you lose yourself, you are never truly lost.