rainbow colored thoughts

rain

2011-10-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

cry rain cry
for those who dove
into the silent ocean
for those who flew
into the cloudy sky
for us too far
to hug and love them
for us to late
to reach to them
just cry a river
or what else
you rain can do
the clock is ticking
the heart still beating
I am gonna now
run rush to you
who are still near

so little we have given them
so small the tear
so thin the air
peace be with them

summer

2011-08-12T20:18:00.001-07:00

running on the Olympic stadium, the first one, at Olympia. two girls giggling among the ancient columns. a boy swinging under an olive tree. a man swimming in the peaceful ionian sea water. old friends who grab time by the leg and keep it still with the power of love. joy of the summer, be with us, in our hearts.

song

2011-08-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

hear the song coming up through the trunk of those trees
from the roots to the shoots
from the leaves to the wind
here its hush during fall, during spring

hear the song of the stones rolling in riverbeds
of the toads jumping in, of the fish
springing out for a dance in the the light
in the morning and then again at sundown.

hear the steps of those marching ahead
leaving the wounds behind
their pain could crack mountains, instead
they turn it to music and hum

gently hum now that you've learned
the way this world turns, make your mark
and when you have gathered your breath
raise up from your chair, raise your voice high
and sing tp your liking and track

music

2011-05-05T07:42:00.000-07:00

the notes are sparse
the breaks are hard
but some still jump
up in the air
to start a dance
we bow and step
gently forward
we need to sing
so we can dance
our way through
life

love herself

2011-01-08T18:58:00.000-08:00

when you feel her cheek
nothing you can think of can be so sweet;
her hair, bouncing in the air
you could not breath without her;
her feet running on roads flat or steep
keep the blood flowing fresh in my body;
her voice deep as the ocean, loud as a drum
tells to my ear i could have never become my true self
if I had not met her - love herself

just be

2010-12-16T20:00:00.000-08:00

just be
close to me
no need to do
anything

round and round
the earth goes about
a new day fresh
will start again

peace you feel
if you stand still
but if your fret
the more you sweat

the earth will not
be flooded if a drop
falls on its crust
nor will it dry

because of salty
bitterness
so just sit still
until you feel

the harmony
of the surrounding ocean
and its waves building a column tall
and strong

the soil below
will grow its roots
into your soul
and thus you'll grow

in strength
and faith
and all
my beautiful

link of the day

2010-12-16T19:37:00.000-08:00

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/

the sounds of winter

2010-12-14T18:39:00.000-08:00

crackling sound
of domains splitting
pieces of glass
gliding apart

only the wind
pushes them them float
so far apart
on their perfectly smooth back

there is no abrasion
no holding back
once the cold winds set in
and the ice has cracked

bright

2010-12-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

bold to be bright
showing off in the light
cardinals in a tree
looking at me

they dance on the edge
under the eye of the hawk
where the balance tips
in a day from fall to winter

they sing their joy
to be alive, hopeful
that winter will show their bravery
that their energy will last until spring

spring when life will begin anew
when their colored coats will need not
demonstrate their boldness
cardinals in a tree, looking at me

so happy to be

stairs

2010-11-22T12:02:00.000-08:00

every morning
when I wake up
a new set of stairs
lies outside my door

i climb and i climb
everyday a little higher
with the secret hope
that it leads to heaven

every now and then
I make mistakes
and need to retake
a couple of steps

the stairs are there
shinning and new, and still
familiar to me since we've shared
each others' company for a while

and while I tend to get tired
at the end of the day
every now and then I sit down
I might as well enjoy the view

while I am here

carpe diem

2010-11-19T06:46:00.000-08:00

the days get shorter
but the light is good
i'd take a picture every moment
of I could

the air is crisp
the squirrels quick
to gather food
for coming times

i'd roast a chestnut
hear its rolling sound
then try to keep it tight
to warm my palm

i'd share my food
and then some wine
with some good friends
of yes I would

for this is the day
that we were given
to live in joy
and make a mark
in someone's heart

grace

2010-10-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

we shall dance in the night
when the lullaby alone cannot sooth you,
we shall dance in the day
when we are merry and gay,
we should touch hands and then point them up
to the sky, we should shake feet,
and blush our faces with joy
saying grace to the Lord
simply because we can do these today

we

2010-10-29T21:08:00.000-07:00

the really really good thing
about you is that you are
right next to me
and if we talk at the same time
i can still hear harmony
don't really know if it was you
or me, but then again it does
not really matter you see
we are so close together
we should just call ourselves we
forget all about you and me
let us just spin with the stars
modestly but in harmony

the loop

2010-10-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

so many songs
so many books
so many movies
to tell us
to teach us
what is important
really important
in life
and in love
so many times
we will be told
until we learn
firsthand
who are our friends
our loves
and passions
put them in songs
and books
and movies

bloody pink

2010-10-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

it is so daring of you to show up
all of a sudden, rising between
the brown of the ground and the gray of the cloud,
all bloody pink in the middle of winter

you were unforgettably bold
to smile from under your frosty hat
to all passerbys and what nots,
seemingly unafraid of the cold

I thank you camelia
for all colors of hope
you bloomed all along
our trip on the side of winter

the hope you have given
just a couple of drops
all bloody pink and heroic
kept us afloat on oceans of cold

but now while it is warm
your leaves wait for the time when most needed
they'll feed our hopes to blossom
in the heart of winter

osmanthus

2010-10-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

a little piece of paradise in the backyard - a blooming tea olive. the duke gardens are an open bottle of perfume for the same reason, the tiny flowers of of the osmanthus.

this girl, her love

2010-09-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

this girl so beautiful and tall
America - she learns from all
her friends whom she invites
to visit her warm home

she smiles a lot, and sometimes
cries because she cares.
she goes to church in her best clothes
some of the days which she takes off

some other days she cooks for those
less fortunate, and then she shares
her kindness cause she thinks
she has surplus to spare

her heart's so full I've gotten used to her
voice sharing joy through song,
but this past week in her blue eyes I've felt
a muted but a strong torment

America who loved Haiti
who helped the children of my eastern world
i look at you and now I wonder
have you forgotten how to love yourself?

at the end of summer

2010-08-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

it is still time for summer
for admiring the flight of the butterfly;
yellow tails dot the yard
when the air is humid and hot;
when the lights dim the crickets take over
the night with their songs
of the summer - sunny and hot
the rains menace to fall
the leaves are still hanging
but almost ready to roll
the knapsacks filled to supplies
are ready to jump on the backs of the kids
ready to start a new year of school
anxious to grow, fast and smart,
while I pray they will stay
ever so loving as they are today.

quote of the day - excellence

2010-07-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
Aristotelis

grow

2010-07-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

grow big and tall
fed by the proximity
of other beings
all ready to teach.
do learn to stay still
when you need peace;
and do learn to storm
when you need to run;
do learn to dance
with your hands up
in the free air above;
learn to stay clean
no matter how dark
the waters in which
you were thrown to swim.
when you come out
you will know
you have grown big and tall
kind and all
you need to be
for your own
but also for others felicity.

summer

2010-07-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

come down south
where the summers are long
and the ground is low,
where the fish are jumping
in the afternoon heat.
where the air is steamy
and the crabs are swift,
while the lazy gators
are first to cross the street.

drive your car slow
watch out when you turn
alligator mama is crossing
and going to town
her hips are swinging
with pride when she does
put her best feet forward.
give thanks for this day
to bask the sun.

come down low
where the summers are long
let the pace get slow
can't avoid the sweat
but can cool it off
when the breeze comes in
let it pass under your chin;
let the lazy gators
be first to cross the street

my library

2010-07-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

my books are moving
eternally between
my house and a larger one
a well organized one - downtown.
the focal point
of the city for me
has been its library
family friendly
and mostly free.
i have met friends
some live between
cardboard covers,
and some behind desks.
the books come and go
and they have many stories
to tell if you listen to them.
they teach you, they tease you
sadden or amuse you.
they bring to your home
sometime a dusty smell,
sometime the one of fresh ink.
whatever they bring
you might well grow
to be wiser because
of them - just think.

summer day

2010-07-07T07:03:00.000-07:00

blue from blueberries,
red from raspberries
and white from cream
put them together to decorate
a beautiful cake.
after you eat
rest on the lawn
look at the stars
till sparkles start
to spring right up.
then in excitement
jump on your feet
do make some noise
to show your joy
the band may be tired by now
but we can still stand up tall
the street's in smoke
after all the firework
now go to bed
to rest and dream
in many colors
you used to trim
this summer day.

parable

2010-07-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

source: http://joomla.wildlife.org

you have launched yourself
dangeroulsy but think for a while
know what you do
and what cannot be undone.
if you fall you must
gather your strength
so you can spring back
from murky waters
let hope reborn itself
onto your wings
batting the air moderately
forget the greed,
you do not need all this
(just to feed).
now launch yourself
beautifully.

step

2010-07-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

for once let us take a step
out of the ordinary reality,
let us think that we are as young
as necessary to be able to fly freely,
as rich as necessary to not really need
anything but a dream
a chance to pursue it
and see how we feel.
and what else would we need,
dear?

dance

2010-06-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

think light
think lightness
think joy
cause everyday
we share
you and I
is a gift,
an exercise
in being kind,
a new move
in an old dance,
where we strive
for harmony
only

flow

2010-06-28T11:49:00.001-07:00

flow like the water
down the valleys
and high up in the hills
ride the waves on oceans of dreams.

roar with the storms
and hush with mild winds
stay still if you can
like hot air on a summer day.

play all sorts of music
on all your four strings
enduring the heat and the chills
as if they were games for some kids.

flow like the water
fresh when it's close to the springs
getting smart when quick turns are called for
wisely open to change - smooth and calm as you grow.

word

2010-06-16T06:59:00.001-07:00

one winter day
the word got wings
and the freedom to fly
over the city.
from there it has not been hard
to fly between cities
and it has been heard
that it even tried
to cross borders.
let the word fly!

summer

2010-06-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

she has caught the firs firefly
of the summer
he has thrown in the back of the closet
his shoes
the day has started to shift its schedule
apparently
according to their moods
you can hear in your left ear the call
of the seagulls
the roar of the ocean being tamed
by the sun
you can feel the sand burning the soles
of your feet
and all because free days of the summer
vacation and you
have come to meet

give

2010-05-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

you were given life one day
the same day you gave back
hope and incredible joy
to those around you;
how precious you were
that day, how precious you stay!

you have been given life
for a while, borrowed time
in the spinning cycle of all beings
it is your chance to make life
better with your touches
for all who are within reach.

it is your chance to rejoice in learning
the ways of the world,
to receive the revelation of understanding,
to do all the singing, drawing, and running
or simply sitting down and admiring
what other do with their lives

today again is you turn
to give this day a chance
no matter how hard it started,
use your time wisely since
you might have been give some limited time
divide it judiciously, and enjoy the gift

moody rose

2010-05-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

when I look at your hand
and you show me splinter
I see a rose growing
from the tip of your finger;
as we both look in wonder
your thumb grows a johnny jump up
your ring finger a daisy
and your pinky - first green with envy
turns into a blue chicory.
I pulled out the thorn
did it hurt?
you tear says "perhaps",
your smile "not as much"
but why hide your eyes
under a funny mexican hat?

beautiful

2010-05-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

if the rain could wash, wash, wash
all dirty things from the face of earth
if it would work all night
would the morning shine bright?

if the rain could wash, wash, wash
the dark small roads forgotten by the world
along with wider highways that belong to no one,
would they not shine bright?

if the rain could wash, wash wash
all trace of poverty, aggression and greed
all nasty thoughts and deviant desires
would it not be good

but who would decide
what is good and should stay
what is bad and should be washed away
who dares take the reins in their hand today?

the storm without thoughts
works heard by my windows today
the frogs by the creek croak a small gossip
the rest of the creatures seem to sleep

the earth will be beautiful when you wake up
my baby, don't worry now
when you grow up you should try however
to turn it around, wash it well

the rain may still help your hard working hand
the sun should be bright
and beautiful if you help your earth
and its people tomorrow

children

2010-05-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

son of his mother
he's got some of her faults, most of her talents
and then some more;
her father's daughter
she's got the same looks
and the same seed of fire burning in her eyes;
he's like the water
smoothly flowing over the fields,
she's setting fire wherever her fast feet
touch the ground.
and still you can see them
when they walk hand in hand
every morning in peace
ready to catch he same bus
to the same school
where they learn how to grow
amongst us

grace

2010-04-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

Be grateful for the quiet nights
when rest is peaceful
and the sleep is deep,
there's so much grace in the world,
just sleep!
the moonlight beam and the clouds
alone do travel
on the fluttering wings
of the wind;
but our streets are silent
to let babies sleep,
the waves of their dreams
like those of an ocean at rest
lulling;

listen for the sound of babies
who grow in their sleep,
for the the sound of tree roots
getting down deep,
for the twinkling star
who says that tomorrow
if full of hope and not far,
listen for the sky
unfolding this wonderful night
...and then sleep

give grace for what you've got
for the night so quiet and deep,
for the fact
that nothing out of the ordinary
will happen tonight
while we sleep

spring trip

2010-04-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

it is time that you put
in front of you one foot
and then the other to step out
of the routine you have set up

spring is here and songs abound
robins, chickadees and kids
they all know what fresh breeze is
time to start anew your life

take a trip or make a craft
learn new music, learn new moves
give a hug without a reason
knit your words again with warmth

take a trip around the garden
take a trip around the city
if the world to you seems far
you have friends near and today is pretty

tutak

2010-03-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

Tutak was small but he knew
he did not lack importance
he just knew he could do it
he tried really hard and he proved it

as long as he was not losing faith
and he could keep his rhythm
little Tutak was still full of spirit
he tried really hard and he proved it

he climbed the steepest high mountain
one little step at the time
where his bigger friends were afraid and backed up
he tried really hard and he proved it

no matter how small you may seem
do never doubt you can reach your goal
just keep your rhythm and faith, Tutak
he tried really hard and he proved it

water and sun

2010-03-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

all we need is some water and sun
and spring has truly begun
blooming in white and in pink
the trees sing, sing sing

the soil is generously moist
the seeds are still waiting in pots
but once out in the garden
they will sprout and shoot to their best

the kids feet run faster these days
their legs jump farther over the creeks
their voices, stronger and bolder
fill the street with the happiest noise.

transitioning among years

2010-02-25T07:56:00.000-08:00

he is a man of the past
no matter how beautiful this past was
is just was
there is nothing left anyway
for today
the man whom he has become
is different now
so do not search in vain
to find again in him
who he was
only the mandolin
can sing the same song twice
while the voice of the singer
changes and roughens
a bit every winter
he still comes to sing
at my door his carols;
the eyes of the mind search
through the misty air
for the truth and the value;
i know his wishes are true
so I give him my coin,
he moves on to a different home
followed by a cheerful crowd
of young carolers

spring

2010-02-22T11:50:00.000-08:00

they spring back to life
from brown bulbs
buried under the ground
the first shoots are well and alive!

the crocuses dance
dressed in purple and yellow
on the river banks
and the meadow

the daffodils shake
their heads gently
if the wind dares to raid their hills
once more with a breath-full of winter

the best

2010-02-12T10:11:00.001-08:00

some of the best things in Durham:

- for the mind: the Durham County Library (a citizen's treasure)
- for the kids: Museum of Life and Science (inexhaustible source of activities, people might get exhausted though. Then you know it is time to go home, rest and come again another day)
- for the tummy: Taqueria La Vaquita (either of the two will provide simple, reliably filling food)
- for the community feel: the farmer's market
- for walking the dog and its persons : the duke forest, can't decide which entrance
- for your pocket: a vegetable garden
- overall: the neighbors. A secret resource for the town. what am I saying? they are the town!

this list supports additions and may be modified with a further notice from readers

simple

2010-02-11T13:24:00.000-08:00

Aim to make things simple. It is not necessarily easy but it is gratifying. It makes ones brain think cleanly and better. One strategy is to divide a problem in subproblems and then conquer the understanding of all. Another strategy is to try to explain it to somebody else. Your dog can be a good adviser. Your grandma is of course much better. If you are a parent then kids might be open to this. If you are a kid try your parents, you may be pleasantly surprised.
A simple life is a good life, ask Zorba too.

new star, new stories

2010-02-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

my child you have grown now so big
the bed time stories I used to tell you
you can retell now;
in fact some of the early ones
must have reached the ladybugs
who live among the stars ;
and from their laughter a new star
was born with a desire of sending its light
into the upper left corner of your window;
from now on you should never be lonely
scared and afraid of the dark;
your star will bath you
with sparks of bright light;
your childhood stories should lull you
to warm sleep under your blanket;
while your dreams navigate
learning to know that
it is almost time to make your own
so much and so big you have grown.

order and organization

2010-02-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

"Order and organization" are my two words of the day. Without them we would need to reinvent the wheel on a daily basis. Save yourself some time and a large part of your sanity with "order and organization".

beautiful

2010-02-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

the most beautiful men on earth
are beautiful on the inside;
the skin of truly beautiful women
radiates kindness, and their eyes
glow with hope and candor,
but most of all they impress
when frail as they seem they can raise
you up - their friends -
with their hands and their words;
they can put laughter on your lips
just by showing up on your doorsteps
or with a mere suggestion.
sometimes they gravely shake
their friend as if they were trees
to remind them where their roots
are, into the ground
of the same reality we should share.
they are rare but a few of them
have the power in spring
to plant fertile seeds of dreams
and nurse then to be
the healthy shoots of tomorrow,
tall and beautiful
nothing can touch them
our youth

wine day

2010-02-04T06:28:00.000-08:00

today we are the wine that we drink
we are the songs that we sing
and the dreams that we dream;
today we come out from within.

let us share ourselves this moment
with friends, let us live the present;
let the memories drop to the bottom
let peace reign as they settle

let ourselves be the inspiration
that we usually seek from others
let all the flavors come out
from this simple bottles

the road paved with gravel
I feel, and the sweetness of cherries
atop of a tree in the garden of Eden
mixing with the wildness of berries

let us have the courage
to say good bye in the harbor
to those who decide to be sailors
and wish them good winds

let us have the heart to welcome
back those who decided to stay
home without armor
and work with a shovel

let us share ourselves
but refrain from imposing our ways
with newcomers from countries afar
where the making of wine was unknown

at the end of the party
let us be free to choose our path
and stick to the track
towards where good grapes can be grown.

muse (to amuse)

2010-02-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

the muse of poetry came last night
for a late cup of tea
and to share inspiration with me;
but the kettle was dusty and cold,
the ink in the pen was too old;
so we just chatted and laughed,
and she sung me a song
then she wrapped herself in her veil
and vanished from sight
leaving me with my memory, only.

life

2010-02-03T07:14:00.000-08:00

when does life happen?
when we are active
when we are passive
when we are pensive?

there are days when
there is so much light
that I feel blind;
can't see what happens
but I can hear
the flapping of wings
the shadows they cast
on the ground
on which I think
I firmly stand;
the hours pass
violently pushing
against each other
and when the storm
has passed
I wonder why
I have nor grabbed
the wing of chance
whatever chance
had come my way
to fly free
away from all fear
and its demons

and there are days
when gentle light
pushes you out
from undercover
when you feel strong
enough to blow the wind
that takes you where
you want to go;
when you take steps
without sparing
the effort to cut out a path
if it was not
already made;
and you don't care
if there is no path
to fit your foot;
you have to go
with forehead up
wherever future calls
with its strong voice
from far aback
the workshop
of your dreams
that it recalls

snow bunny - for its friend J

2010-02-01T14:18:00.000-08:00

snow bunny
gray and furry
cheeks are red
on its blond mommy

snow bunny out at play
on a sled
from the shed
in the cold;

with its friend
slides down the hill
speedy fast
it is a blast

wonder bunny
puts its paw in the snow
does not run
if she let go

snow bunny
come get warm
in my arms
say its mommy;

go inside
bunny now
mommy too
say good night

break

2010-01-26T11:24:00.001-08:00

break the chains and look up
the sky has already been there
unperturbed by the struggle of ants
can you too look up friends?

take off your limiting glasses
the light is here to be shared
to not be fooled and hide
from knowledge again.

dance to impart joy among those
who are ready to take their first steps
the life lessons will be taught
until they are learned

butterfly love

2010-01-20T08:15:00.001-08:00

she fell in love with a butterfly
but the butterfly only felt ill
enough to make it rest with her
or better said incapable of leaving her.
she though she was nursing it to health
on the back of her hand;
they had a close relationship for a while
until another girl requested
the magic touch of the butterfly
and is attachment
to the back of her hand;
and she shared;
but the butterfly could not, cared not
return to her even though she still cared
she had to leave almost in tears
but with hopes that in the end
it would rest on a leaf,
by a flower full of nectar
within its reach.

morning routine

2010-01-20T06:59:00.000-08:00

morning comes and you're not yet awake
little birds chirp and laugh on a branch;
must get up to stop their chatter
what if it is about you, their laughter?
I can see sleepy eyes, cheeks and nose
your blanket hides them but I think
you are sleepy to your toes.
let me wake you with a tickle, as I sing;
for you to wake up and bring
joy to my day today and everyday!

but who's this jumping up from under covers
like a spring? who's this voice
telling dreams and jokes and stories,
when have you picked your clothes and put them on?
now eat your breakfast, brush your teeth,
hug the dog who licked your cheek;
let's get out the door it's late
grab your boots if they're not on
the teacher's waiting
and you have to do some learning-playing.

grateful

2010-01-18T06:55:00.000-08:00

for the smiles you greet me with
every morning,
for the demands you make
on my time and my brains;
for the breaths you use
to warm up the house,
for your voices
you raise while still looking
for the right harmony;
for your smile
and your honesty;
for your seemingly endless
galloping energy;
for making me feel needed
and useful and loved
and am grateful to you
children today,
may you grow
to know the same joy!

new year

2010-01-08T10:23:00.001-08:00

fresh and cold
the year has started
rather abruptly
the awakening

a whirlwind
of days swept the land
like never before
one rushing always more
than the day before
we had to roll up our sleeves
to tame its furious flow
slow down its entrance
and make its show
pleasant
and suitable to us
and peaceful life

now that we have learned
to tame time, our time
we'll still have to learn
to live with its weather;
warm up our nights;
grow our plants
and cook our foods
gently and with care;
and teach our children
to do the same;
ultimately learn to
brighten our days
and the one belonging to those
less fortunate than us;
so they can too
dance to the music
flowing from above;
equally
on all of us.

fresh and cold
the year has started
rather abruptly
the awakening

prey birds

2009-11-18T07:26:00.000-08:00

the pray birds
can you teach them to live
by farming?
can you hide the mouse
or the rabbit from its sighting?
can you accept today
your loss
and make up for it tomorrow
through hard work ;
or will you fight
for your right and get up
from dark sorrow?

the coming of winter

2009-11-17T11:52:00.000-08:00

the northern lights have brought the snow
from frost country today
and it has started to fall
huge balls rolling on the edge of the night

the wings of wind batted the air gently
so as to shake your curtains
cause winter is waiting for your fingers
to draw lines on ice flowers and buds on a window

the masters of frost will copy your drawings
on snowflakes and ice cones
and lace at the edges of shivering rivers
just draw and sing to the blizzard

tame the night with calm thoughts by the fire
then come morning silence the squeaking of snow
advance your sure steps making a path
back to the source of the northern lights

happy island

2009-11-13T09:44:00.000-08:00

somewhere far
but not as far as the edge of the world
there must be
a happy island waiting for me

there must be songs
from the shore birds; and dancing fish
will rise to the surface
to see the foamy reflections of sunset

there must be light
enough to fill an empty heart
lacking direction
shall it drift off on its shore

there must be peace
and a total absence of fear
the only worry
need be putting one step in front of the other

loneliness here
must be a gift from the Gods
at their feet
the whole round world will be humming

I shall set sail
I cannot wait on board for the proper wind
I need to search for my island
while my arms can still work with the oars

stormy evening

2009-11-13T07:37:00.001-08:00

there's a stormy atmosphere
indoors as well as outdoors;
some trees have dyed their hair red
and the rest of the forest is mad;
the trunks are shaking and bending,
the wind is lamenting
the very fate that it brings;
the leaves are turning
and spinning in spirals.
the kitchen is warm and inviting
the radio is spreading the news;
I sit to gather my thoughts
round the table, while mama is baking
chocolate chips in the oven
and dad is wishing for roast,
while all grandma wants for this dinner
is a cup of tea and some toast.

transition

2009-11-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

at the edge between summer and fall
there is a smooth transition
of warm winds and a rain which drops
gentle notes on a musical composition

at the edge between autumn and winter
there is a storm of golden leaves
turning to brown,
a misty gown
dresses the morning with fear
that the first frost is too near

at the edge between winter and spring
there are buds on a twig
daring to grow into the unknown
fast to change mood atmosphere

fidgety, tricky and awfully pretty
spring gets in our bodies the heat
that we missed and the light
our souls need to set flight

when you start to think
that finally spring is here
summer has already began
we missed this transition
and we happily sweat
for a couple of months
I have never had
enough yet.

wake

2009-11-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

wake little elf wake
the morning is hear
and breakfast is near
wake little elf wake!

I still need to sleep
his little face said;
then a smile budded on his cheek
followed by a frown
which frowned
on his forehead;
but peaceful he stayed
in his bed and he slept;
for when elves sleep
they dream deep,
in the forest
where only sleep-waves can creep.
so I had to finally send
a giggle and a couple of words
to cut the spider nets
clouding his eyes
with sleepy syrupy veils;
and the giggles cut through
like green blades
that the grass knights use
to salute the light.

wake little elf wake
the morning is hear,
breakfast is near
and mama will bake
if only you wake
little elf wake!

make believe

2009-11-02T09:30:00.001-08:00

do not believe that because
you got a lot of candy tonight
life must be sweet to you
and most everybody - always

do not believe that the girl
with sparkly shoes
can use them to fly
away from the witch taunting her

neither the witch
does not have magic tricks
up her sleeves
but just a scary face

incredible as it seems
they may not be
too different
from each other

(as you wander together
the distance from one heart
to another need not be long
unless you set yourself apart)

try to feel good
in your own shoes
but if they still
give you bruises and bumps

get out of them as fast
as you can; make a plan
and if it does not work
make yet another!

with you own hands, and your mind
turn your plan into real
life and work, believe in yourself
and that you have friends, always

permanence

2009-10-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

--from http://chicagoblogger.com/--

..from artbyzaky...
---this one to LC---
because I have learned
to love your words,
waving on your ocean of songs
I want to believe
that at least certain things
and more importantly people
are here to stay
for good, in permanence.
what matters is
that people share
even if briefly
their wisdom and their love
with those around;
this time the town
has opened its arms
to welcome the old man
who has come to share
his calmness;
[the use of a cover
filled with calmness
to taper the deepest troubles]
over a concert,
tea and oranges

little kid

2009-10-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

sweet sleeper
slow waker;
cheek kisser
heart breaker;
happy giggler
trouble maker;
nerve stretcher
joy giver.

stawars

2009-10-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

little A can spell her (now) favorite movie(s) title: stawars (who can hear that "r" well anyway?). And she has seen these movies so many times (sometimes with interruptions for dinner or night sleep) that she refers to them in the following way: : "usually Obi Wan dies in this episode". You see, sometimes he does not get to die in that particular episode simply because we pause the movie and go to bed.

little flower

2009-10-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

she said
if cannot all be roses
let us humble flowers
cover the ground with goodness
as our way to serve
the same Lord
that roses do
in their beauty.
since then till today
from flower to flower,
and through the bees
they are still spreading
and sharing
the honey of her sayings.

driving by a garden

2009-10-19T10:28:00.001-07:00

the sudden smile of black eyed susans
growing widely and unpretentiously
at the edge of the road
follows the drivers into the otherwise gray
roads through the city;
you cannot really speed up
first of all because of the children
on the way to school or a baseball game;
but because of bikers and possible drunkards
all vulnerable and delicate in some way;
but mostly because you secretly peek
towards the the pink to purple cone flowers
echinaceas and others
like red monardas and colorful lantanas;
and the shy but sturdy asters;
and because your noise
may scare away the butterflies
that only live for a couple of days;
ephemeral and beautiful as they all are
the inhabitants of these permanent gardens.

southern garden

2009-10-19T09:44:00.001-07:00

the gardens here never sleep
(their roots though may not run too deep)
because the air is so friendly and warm
that the bugs stay alive and merrily swarm
all year long they are busy
the gardeners do not have it easy
there is no time to rest
they must always work at their best
keep the pests in control
on their side of the knoll.
all give thanks to the sun
be are grateful for the fruit
and the flowers happily blooming
grace to its shinning.

new math

2009-10-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

.......................this one is from and for my friend Miles...
I have been counting sticks and stones
but mostly my fingers so far;
then to raise the bar
I have learned higher numbers
some of them I can only pronounce
as letters: like google and billion
(I am not sure how long they should be
with their trailing zeros in tail
if I were to write them on paper let's say)
but in general I can write
and wiggle and juggle numbers around
with great joy, to the point
that I have invented
today a new kind of math.
I have shared it with friends
and they have decreed
that a new king of math was anointed
they gave me a crown!
from too much excitement
I think I'll chase numbers
in my dreams until dawn.

the prettiest tree

2009-10-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

there is a tree
the prettiest tree
you can see if you look hard
and it grows in my yard;
it dresses in white
in the spring
therefore I think
it must certainly be
a lady tree;
but wait I am not sure
cause most of the times
it dresses in green;
the liveliest green
you have ever seen;
later when it is time for fall
it darkens to brown
and here and there
a patch of red
I see in her hair.
the strangest habit it has
when I dress in sweaters
my tree is bare
to the branches and bones;
so the squirrels must run
up and down the tree trunk
as hard as they can
to keep my pretty tree warm.

a mile long hike

2009-10-12T12:43:00.001-07:00

step gently over these leaves
they are busy feeding the ground
with all the sugar they've gathered
during the summer;
they are quietly giving life
to the next year's crop
while we are here for the day
happily hiking;
a mile long hike
is not a long experience
but it does give a glimpse
into the depth of the water,
the steepness of the slope,
and the age of the stone.
the air may get a little rare
but the soil and the trees
help and breath back the life
that we need to see and to care for.

share the view and the sure way
you take a step
but gently, pay attention
to the delicate life that grows
everywhere, even under your foot;
be inspired, look up
keep in you this view from the top.
you can grow too
with little resources;
and your are still
able to give and to judge
and mainly to live
simply, gently
never boringly - plain.

be in harmony

2009-10-09T06:47:00.000-07:00

be the change
you want to see in the world
give the spark
that will keep hope flaming hot
forgive sins
that keep enemies apart
bring your friends
together so they can see
different
views cannot set boundaries
harmony
is what we've been longing for

Herta Müller

2009-10-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

This lady has won the Nobel Prize for literature. She can hardly believe it. We can still congratulate her!

young

2009-10-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

being young I still need
your wing to raise me to the height of my dream
being young I still need
your shoulders to support my adventure or miss

being young I still need
your guiding hand to cross the forest in safety
being young I still need
you to tell me the sources to use for nourishment

being young I still need
to challenge you and your age appropriate wisdom;
being wise you still need
to make patience and teach me forgiveness

being up there you need not
look down on me but rather respect the potential in me
I will be the one to feed
you in your old days, to forgive you old age's mistakes

that is if you do
teach me the right things now, if you do think of me
i will think of you
highly and kindly and we can possibly share the path

or you can just wait
until I move out, and stop bothering you with my demands
for attention and love.
for your time as short now, as mine will be precious soon

honey

2009-10-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

she will come running towards you
so softly her steps and her voice
will surround you, and as she leaves
she will have left your heart
happily swimming in honey
the little stubborn bunny.

team name

2009-09-16T09:56:00.001-07:00

my soccer team was just forming
and we needed a name
to call ourselves during a game
so we did some thinking

we sat in a circle that day
and thought about rockets
and fast moving objects;
we made proposals, and I had my say.

but my teammates have chosen
among all pretty things
like ladybugs and butterfly wings
that we should ourselves monsters

sounds a yucky and scary thing to be
but this is it - jinx
we can live and play like this strongly
my team of monsters and me

today

2009-09-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

he though today is a day as good as any
to make peace with yourself
and get going wherever you are going
with high hopes you will land on your feet

the train rider has as always a newspaper
in hands, but he does not read it today
while waiting for the metro train
he just looks at strangers

some of them, like him, must come at the station
everyday of the week, but he cannot recognize any
although they do look vaguely familiar
since they're connected by a common goal

going somewhere, fast
he'd go anywhere where the sun is warm
and the mind is fresh ... while the metro music
sounds like many small steps

then they all get sucked
into a tunnel that only seems dark
by the noise and the roar, the train they got
will take them somewhere

whichever direction they take
they will get a chance to stand
with their backs straight, tall on their feet
possibly interact, while time ticks - fast.

but he'll step out of the train today
at a station out of the way to taste the passing of time
to look perhaps for simple things like water drops,
or the shape of clouds when the sun hides;

he thought of these and he got out in the rain,
under the anonymity of many umbrellas
he could sense the joy
the rain had brought to the city today.

he though today may be a day as good as any
to make peace with yourself
and get going wherever you are going
with high hopes you will land on your feet

curiosity

2009-08-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

curiosity is a question itself
most people think it needs words
and it opens pathways to knowledge;
for some it only has fingers
and eyes, a general restlessness;
and it opens the mind to new games.

quote of the day

2009-08-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

"involve me and I will learn!"

summer's school

2009-08-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

open the windows wide, or better go out and play
while summer is here the kids of today
are free to go swimming in the pond,
splashing in the mud and that helps them grow strong

they build strength in their mind, strength in their body
they take a break from thinking just straight;
but they think laterally as well, they make connections
and choices (even mistakes) so the time they have is just swell.

and they play and they learn
a different lesson this season
that we need a bit of summer outside
to build a bit of sun on the inside

they were taught to play by the book
now they learn to play without rules
they are the makers, the breakers of rules
just the basic perhaps even this may be changing
summer is here, just the parents are only watching
perhaps the beauty in you, the change in the world
while you are busily playing,
and building tomorrow.
tomorrow

lessons in friendship

2009-08-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

I've read Stan Toler's book - The Secret Blend. Let's see if I can remember the ten lessons in friendship:
1. like yourself or be a friend to yourself
2. if you want to have friends you have to be a friend
3. be a good listener (that's why you have two ears and only one mouth :))
4. encourage people
5. learn to forgive
6. it takes some good chemistry to make a relationship work (that part is slightly mysterious but you can influence a reaction right?)
7. bring out the best in people (that's a direct derivative of point 6).
8.
9.
10. teach others the first nine points :)

night and they

2009-08-11T06:25:00.000-07:00

night and they
won't go to sleep,
morning comes
and they rise up.
one is ready to go
excited about
where the road
will take him today
(but I have to forgive him
cause not matter what
I have cooked or not
he's not having breakfast today
anyway).

one is ready to stay
five minutes longer in bed
and dreads the immplacable truth
that most any day
is a school or work day;
but when she's finally up
she wants for herself
a big fat omelet
that she'll always enjoy
while charging her
batteries with
the high voltage she needs
to burn everyday

like night and day
so lovely they
hang together and hug
before we all have to pack
lunchboxes and stuff
then I start the engine
and we're gone away from the house
for the day.

golden

2009-08-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

---this one is for Misha---
she would sit close to me for hours
silently watching over me,
whether I was sick or healthy
with the same patience
and same dedication;
she would wait
for the touch of my hand
but mostly she would be
ready to give
calm reassurance
that everything should be
the way we want it to be;
oh how I wish she would be
here with me whenever I shiver
lonely and fearful
without my golden retriever.

walk

2009-08-06T07:06:00.001-07:00

the man walked the gray street as if
there was nothing to do but soak in the sun
perhaps meet a friend at the corner bread store
share a story over a cup of coffee
but mostly just walk for the pleasure
of walking on his own two legs,
gently balancing his own free hands
raising his head in the sun
clearing his mind; but more importantly
he should for a while
forget all the talking, the problems
and plans, and just do the walking.

link of the day - top 50

2009-08-06T06:24:00.001-07:00

the local food scene on a pedestal

http://blogs.newsobserver.com/multi/top-50-food-magazine

time

2009-08-04T07:47:00.001-07:00

time is what you make of it!

round

2009-08-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

take a few steps on the streets
where nothing unusual happens;
only the soccer the ball rolls
round as always between kids

soccer players dreaming of stars
or at least their autographs
they roll the ball, shoot and score
and nobody notices how they grow

their pants and shoes grow shorter
their torsos grow stronger;
they start having ideas
that they could go out and dance

as good friends they go out holding hands
making jokes about the cool guy on the block
and they grow, and they know
the team will scatter, as they will have to go

as they grow each will follow their way
the ball may well pass to the new kids
if the new times allow enough time to play
they should learn how to roll.

crepe myrtle

2009-07-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

dressed in white
just like a bride,
holding in hand
a pink lacy drink,
purple with shame
for playing this game
in the hot summer wind
to make the bees come
getting drunk with the nectar
then leave well before
they are ready to sting
this crepe myrtle lady
may well be
the summer's favorite tree,

summer day

2009-07-29T12:52:00.001-07:00

when the morning came with car roars dampened by dew
she was getting fresh water and coffee ready to brew;
the newspaper was ready to pop out of the mail box
before she could put on her glasses and sox;
a trip to the market was a high point of her day
at times letting herself attracted to the bakery
by the smell crossing her way;
with fresh bread and brioches in the bag,
back home came the lady before the high heat of midday.

Midday was slow, mildly boring, sometimes nothing more
than a transition towards a well deserved nap;
from which shed wake up looking out the window at the delicate lilac
ready to digest the news on TV, with cookies and tea, always close to the phone.

when the afternoon decided to shake the curtains and demand attention
she was playing cards by herself, chasing boredom with a wave of her hands,
waiting for friends to bring news from the town
like who got married, had babies, is still alive or recently gone?

when evening come, covering trees, streets and roofs with its shawl
loneliness dropped its shade as as well but she could still set her goal
on teaching her nieces an nephews, armed with a dictionary, and a sense of fun,
the vocabulary, accent and grammar in English, French, and occasionally German.

at night there was time for the colored TV to set the background tone
with a book in one hand, and a puzzle crossword in the other
she was lulled to gentle sleep, her mind never tired preparing to dream
the thoughts and the plans of a far away trip.

- buttons, lavender, coins

the memory of roses - Ti

2009-07-29T06:37:00.000-07:00

My romanian aunt would use rose petals to make a jelly - or more something like the gliko toy koutaliou. She was not using just any kind of roses, but a very flavorful kind. I remember the color as mauve-pink but there may be other colors too. The sweet syrup was wonderfully flavorful and the petals squeaked when crushed by the teeth. The jars were stored in old unused brick heater (soba). Not for long cause they were gone after just a couple of 5 o clock coffee visits from her lady friends.
(i wrote this as a comment to Maria's blog, and thought I would keep it as a personal memory, thanks Maria for the occasion).

sharester

2009-07-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

there was a time when art was flying freely
circling over the city she was, high in the sky
ready to cross any borders, rivers and oceans
and the children sung as if they had been promised
that they will be forever young

the children were sharing their music and getting curious
because of them the the artists were becoming famous
all over the world, their fame spreading by work of mouth
and mostly by means of web mediated sharing

as an artist I would be very very complemented
if my words wold now fly digitized via web
from node to node, from headphone to headphone,
from brain to brain - my words would spread

i would also probably be rather poor
cause there are no means to track
the happily bouncing digitized art
but then this had been always the case

for the practitioner and creator of art
were mostly poor but protected under the wings
of some rich art lover and patrons
expect that today we have agents and record companies

most shameful of that we have trials
to punish today the grown up children
of the sharester generation
but not enough judges who did not have a part

what is it fair I do not know
I just wish art could fly again from sould to soul
I wish I would be the wing to support art's free flight
with the unconstrained beat of my heart

child at heart

2009-07-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

music now -

all his life he wanted to find out who he was
and the quest took so long he had to postpone growing up;
he tried many faces, he tried many voices
he danced between worlds, but he kept his own heart

through his big black eyes, and piercing voice
poured out imaginary creations of better but possible worlds;
golden images gathering love and hope from many years in the past
projected onto small screens were swung by his music
right into the hearts of so many teens
they danced on the streets and they dreamed
music translated in images, and they felt like golden felines
ready to jump on life's back - be it in harmony or conflict

but he had to grow up and this was somehow a sad, long postponed jump
into real life. why would one do it if he still feels
he is a child a heart. not knowing what to do this life's pump
stayed for a while in limbo and then suddenly stopped.

kids poured out on the streets, fit felines ready to shout
they wanted him back, they were ready to fight - but there was no one out,
reality was placid and mute and they only thing they could do
was remember and then somebody realized the best thing to do was to just sing out loud

music poured out on the streets like a river of light
forgiveness was throwing its shade on the asphalt
the chorus of people some old and some young
felt somehow like him - for a while allowing to be children at heart.

tabula rasa

2009-07-20T11:10:00.001-07:00

a vacation is for the mind
like a wave is for the beach
an opportunity to get clean
peaceful and open wide
to a world of opportunity.
who knows how many sand dollars
and star fish are left behind
and need to be thrown back in the ocean
by a kid with a pail;
before is too late for them
to get lost for life
paying dearly for the sin
of exploring too much, too far
dangerously ignorant
of the passing of time.
deep down on the dark bottom
of the ocean they are given
another chance to refresh
to resurface if that is
what they really wish

lessons for a kid

2009-06-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

If you want to teach a kid a valuable lesson for life what would it be? I try to make up my mind and lots of things come. Still thinking...

- sleep well
- eat healthy
- stay clean (and dry)
- find comfort in doing good things like sport, and being with friends
- do not fear to be alone but do not over do it
- be cheerful, it does not hurt anybody
- walk happily
- attend to live's important events
- be there for your friends when they need you most
- be respectful of others and yourself
- be helpful
- learn whatever you can where you are before you move on and most of all learn to love
- keep your word
- life is precious, you are precious - you are life!

river

2009-06-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

between us is a river flowing
sometimes with a serene humming
sometimes growing
out of bounds with nervous growling

it can come rolling stones
and breaking twigs one second
to calm down later sparkling clean
dancing so sweetly you forget it was mean

let's work to tame the river
so it can never hurt, but be forgiving
teach it love and peace so we yearn
for our river to keep flowing.

hope

2009-06-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

Hope that the trip will be smooth
that the sun will rise high
and brighten your day today
as in many other days has done

hope that your legs will be strong
to take you far away;
many roads in front of you lay
so you need your shoes to last long

take a friend by the hand
give each other support
if the road get tough and the weather rough
or if you step by mistake on dark land

some light will chose to stay
within your heart at all times
use it when you need it
burn it with care - to feed hope

light will come again
most likely you will be there
to soak it in and if you share it
it will double its value

wallk in beauty

2009-06-03T09:03:00.001-07:00

walk your walk in peace
may the winds' harsh blows not touch you,
may the storms not bend you
may you grow tall and strong;

choose to grow in peace,
do not fight imaginary fights
which are not worth the wounds
do not keep deep wounds on your body;

do not keep wounds on your memory
walk in beauty and prepare
to flow into love and shine
get ready to dance for joy in your life.

rest when you need to rest
to keep your balance;
and if you need support call
I will raise from the ground up

to hold your head up
to wipe your forehead clean bright
with my branches; and the strength of your roots
we'll walk in balance

one step at the time
this trip is worth taking
even if you need to go to school for a while
you learn your stride on your own

walk in beauty

sweet magnolias

2009-05-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

image from http://www.basdenfamily.com/
at the end of spring, at the budding of summer
it is the time when the air smells sweet
from everywhere you are surrounded
by the aroma of southern magnolias

stately and green they mark the south
with imposing and statures. Graciously
they offer globes of white surprises
as their gift to the coming summer.

they share their shade with growing bunnies,
their branches with aspiring climbers
their skinned knees growing strong
with each run on the lawn, with each climb and each rest
in the shade of sweet magnolias

open your flowers and open your hearts
to the heat of the summer, and the songs of robins!
open your eyes and see the white lights
brought to us today as they were before hundreds of years
from the old good times by the sweet magnolias.

literary start

2009-05-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

going, blowing ...Ana makes poems - with rhymes and rhythms!

time

2009-05-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

time is what you make of it
that is most of the time;
like - when you call a friend
to drink a coffee al fresco;
and it is clearly not because of the coffee;
like when you climb a mountain
of any sorts and heights
and you do not care how high and far you can get;
like - when you read a story in the night
to a child, surrounded by hugs,
and it does not really matter what the story says;
like - when you listen to your grandmother's stories
that come from the depth of her life,
and snowflakes start falling
from the heaven's highs onto her hairs
and your eyes barely start seeing
what time was and how it changes us.

sometimes choose to sit in silence
by the river of life for a couple of seconds
let the river do the running
and the talking too
and start listening;
and then choose to make time
your friend, and time for your friends
while life is here to be lived
pure and joyful too.

traveller's song

2009-05-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

when you take a trip
it is your chance to learn again,
to become a new you
so listen to the life you pass by,
keep your eyes open
and new days will reveal themselves
in colors not seen before
when walking walk in peace with the road
you chose
with the people you meet and try
to speak like them
to walk in their shoes for a while
try to be there
for them to help and to talk to
but mostly to listen.
your world may gently be reborn
if you step out
of yesterday's constricting skin
freedom may start growing
in your mind tomorrow;
perhaps if because you have sat
on the banks
of the ever-changing river of life.

plantation garden

2009-05-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

image from tclf.org

http://www.celtic-life.net/galler36.jpg

down south where the summers are steamy,
it is where sweaty hands used to gather
the sticky tobacco leaves,
where rice grew in stratified ponds,
and the cotton bloomed.
it is there where the afternoons
flowed like molasses,
while evenings were headed towards the night
guided by banjo strings;
the rhythms swung the rocker
on the wooden porch
they impregnated the soil
under the swamps
and the herbs danced
never minding the mosquitoes.

if you put your head down onto hard soil
your ear can still hear
yesterday's rhythms.
you can sill feel the love of the lord
who has turned the fruit of the soil
into a beautiful garden
of reverend roses,
camellias and azaleas;
where the oaks shelter
under moving shadows
of spanish moss
long standing statues
and the remains of
those who have passed