THE EVOLVING CANVAS OF STORYTELLERS

If you slow down, listen closely with just one ear,
Some carry life stories that you will never hear.

They are the old souls of the family sharing,
Burdens of past generations yet still living.

All they want is some of your time and to be heard,
Yet, today’s youth are just too rushed to hear their word.  

They come from foundations built on their character,  
Where today’s youth believe they’re just a visitor.

Once they pass their tales to tomorrow’s storytellers,
It’s held in long-term memory as if they’re dwellers.

By now, yesterday’s storytellers are long gone, 
Leaving you today’s generation to count on.

Their scattered thoughts are seamlessly pieced together,
Hoping to share it at the next get-together.

Oddly, tradition and tales have made full circle,
As they tell their tales, I heard our angels’ chortle.

Now seeing their painting complete on the canvas,
Yet something in their souls still remains unfinished.

FINDING MY OWN LIGHT

A familiar hurt aches my body,
When sweet promises become broken truths.
My mind remains lost and somewhat foggy,
Leaving just your words as signs of abuse.

You try to run away but cannot flee,
Yet, my broken heart bleeds in ways unknown.
There are no signs of the hurt you caused me,
Leaving me to show you how I have grown.

One lesson, I should have already known,
I learned, love myself first, before others. 
I’m not lonely but I am all alone,
Giving my soul time as it recovers.

Once I accepted this enlightenment,
Instantly my life became easier.
No longer anyone’s entitlement,
I learned to live life stronger not weaker. 

Revealing hidden traits one at a time,
I now walk with purpose and a new me.
Knowing my tomorrows will be sublime,
Seeing how I am finally set free.

WEATHERING LIFE’S STORMS TOGETHER

I sit and watch the clouds conquer the morning sun,
While I ponder the worries of my friend away,

I see the gray clouds take over the clear blue sky,
Much like the pain and anguish held deep in his soul. 

I feel a heaviness in the air around us,
Perhaps it was the storm pressing its weight on us.

Or maybe it was the tension between us both,
Our t-shirts clung on to us, soaked through to the skin.

As the storm neared, the thunder roared through the dark sky, 
Drowning out my own voice as I speak to my friend.

Not hearing a word I said, my friend stares at me,
Wondering what I was trying to say to him.

The darkest clouds released the rain it held on to,
Just like the tears rolling down my friend’s frightened face.

The rain comes down harder than when it first started,
Creating its own noise, drowning out our voices.

A flash of lightning lights up the darkest sky,
Much like a camera’s flash taking a picture.

I watched the rain fade away into the gray sky, 
As he wiped his tears away and began talking.

As he unfolded his story, I felt his pain,
I listened, to not just hear words, but be present.

He shared his life’s strife and how he couldn’t let go,
Ruminating the choices made at life’s crossroads.

I watched his face transform from despair to relief, 
Like the dark clouds swept away by the midday sun.

When I looked over at his newly relieved face,
I caught a glimpse of my friend’s once long lost smile.

The sun seized the sky from the dark gray clouds again,
Returning back to the bright cobalt clear blue sky.

The sun shining its light on his new found life’s path,
Knowing that I’ll be by his side through thick or thin.

The storm itself became the photo we never took,
Capturing what our words could never speak aloud.

Reminding us, we had found each other again,
With the moment etched into our remaining days.

WHEN THE ECHO WENT SILENT

Whether we chat once a day,
Once a week or once a month.
Knowing that we can pick-up,
Exactly where we left off.
Without skipping a heartbeat,
It’s what marks our close friendship.
In return, all I ask for,
An acknowledging echo.

I will share my life’s stories,
Share myself for all my days.
I will trust you with secrets,
Share the truths I rarely speak.
I will celebrate your wins,
Share the joy you place in me.
I will be there when life’s tough,
Share the weight of your burden.
I will pour my emotions,  
Share all your fears and losses.
I will listen when you cry,
Share an ear to hear your say.
I will stand through life’s hardship,
Share the quiet of your thoughts.
I will be there by your side,
Share life’s journey, step by step.

Slowly, almost quietly,
Nothing but everything changed.
When your voice grew quieter,
Then footsteps faded away.
The day when the echo stopped,
I finally heard silence.
It’s the day I understood,
You already exited.