This is the America I know: A sea of white, black, red, yellow And brown faces, Strong minds and voices Raised to the sun,

Walking down the dirt path, Sounds drift on the air, Birds chirping, leaves Rustling, dogs barking. Interconnection of life

Inspiration is in the falling of rain, the soft coo of birds in late afternoon, the sinking of the

Red, yellow and orange leaves Fall quickly now And create a tapestry of color That fill my mind With joy.

There is my shadow, A dark outline of this body And yet, it also holds, The hidden imperfections Of my existence.

Firefly shine your light, Brighten my life, Lead the way, through The meadows, in my mind. Firefly, float so high,

Red and gold leaves Falling, Sing to me Of the season of change, Before the snow,

The many places I have been And countless faces I have seen, The many tales to be told, Into the universe, they unfold. It’s all a passing show,

First snow of the season Came down light and gay, With it’s bright white, Reflecting, Off slow moving clouds

Some days you’re in bliss, Some days you’re in pain. Some days you’re up in the clouds, Some days you’re down in the flame… Some days you get what you want

Harsh reality smacks like a slap of cold wind. Sometimes I’m a tough sailor, at the helm,

One year since I traveled to paradise. One year since I laughed and danced with friends. One year since I watched

As I age this last quarter of my life, I am fading into the background. As I let go of roles,

The gift of summer Is the sound of a Creek flowing through Rocks. A blue bird perched

Many thoughts in the mind, Some productive, some not. They glow like fires, Created by needs and