O’ how I wish I could retire Before all my dreams expire My traveling feet are on fire To explore the world I admire I’d go to Paris for a day

To help the butterfly take flight Would crush its wings before they’… The bud must bloom in its own song Its tender petals drawn to light The mind must wake in its own time

A swarm of butterflies in my belly As I wandered sheepishly towards… Nervous, I was perspiring profuse… Even though twas the middle of win… A big smile on her face, she looke…

I looked and chose a thick one Tossed it sideways into the water Grimacing; sticking out my tongue One, two… Quickly, it goes under… Then she looks around, a flat one

It is time to go Every night he prays steadfast That it be his last Pleasures have deserted him Tomorrows are looking grim

center Wake up sweet darling Let the sun caress you And let me kiss your lips Sweet as morning dew

An old photograph Once colorful But not anymore It’s all I have To remind me

A tale with a twist Totally unexpected A surprise ending Novel stories odd but true Keep young hearts beating askew

Had two jabs four weeks apart Eight months later got booster’d Like superman unafraid Now I have Delta mastered But then the little O came

Three boys wanted to be famous, on… Knights too; and among all the nic… They set off one Saturday To the hills atop the bay Adventure! the Lost Boys fighting…

In the porch, a swing painted whit… Where starry-eyed lovers used to s… Now empty in the morning sunlight For hearts no longer in unison bea… © F Aparici

Up high the red hawk hovered O’er the lush virgin forest Keen piercing eyes surveilling Hunting live prey for her nest Under the green canopy

My young son threw a ball at me But sadly, he caught me unaware And it bounced right in front of m… Oh! I melted at his wounded stare… Perhaps more focused I should be

Touch his face, she did lovingly Though his cheeks rough with scrag… She gazed at him fondly adoringly But from her eyes lonely tears app… She caressed his frigid and bony h…

Now let me tell you about my frien… Who I’ve known for many years He thought he’s done with life Then she came! and happiness appea… Aye! she’s the sun shining in the…