A Winter Wonderland

The snow is on the ground like a big white carpet. It reminds you of cotton candy at a summer carnival. With a smile, you step into the snow. Your black hiking boots make slushing noises as you walk around. Shivering, you tuck your gloved hands into your forest-green jacket. You can see your breath in little puffs of white mist that reminds you of smoke. Pausing for a moment, you close your eyes and inhale the crisp morning air. Its coolness fills your lungs, and you feel a lightness in your body. Staring at the sun as it rises, you feel yourself flying in the clouds.

a field of snow

deep in the countryside

you look about

and feel yourself flying

in worlds of white wonder

On Books

a row

of hardcover books

on the shelf

golden keys to unlock

worlds hidden behind doors

I've always been fond of books. They are like old friends at a dinner party - always chatting away with something new to say. Indeed, it's hard not to admire a book, for within its dusty covers, are worlds waiting to be discovered. The possibilities are endless. Will I enter a world of fantasy and enroll in a wizard school? Or perhaps I will travel in time to Ancient Greece and attend a lecture at Plato's Academy. Maybe I will explore the stars and learn about the universe with Astronomy. All these choices are mine to make. They are "golden keys" that will unlock the ignorance of my mind as I strive for understanding.

Socrates once said: "I know nothing except for the fact of my ignorance." I too, have tried to live by this maxim. It is only through humility, have I learned that there is so much to learn. An open mind, an open heart, and an open book, are the surest ways I know to grow as a person. I truly believe this. Without these things, it would be much harder to grow in wisdom.

A good book is a friend for life. I will always relish the ones I've read, for many have changed my life. They are there for anyone willing to listen - to listen to their stories. I'm glad I listened.

The Iron Of Your Will

a broken sword

lies scattered on a field

holding the hilt

I wonder why the steel

is shining in the dust

Throughout life, we are faced with numerous challenges and difficulties. They often spring at us unannounced, when we least expect them. If we are not careful, they can easily overwhelm us, leaving us defeated and exhausted.

How then, can we counter this? How do we confront the problems of life? The answer is to believe in yourself, to forge an iron will. Like a diamond, your will must be strong to resist the blows that come at you. Life is like a war, and to survive, you must keep getting up from the ground when you are struck down. Though your goals (the sword) may be shattered and broken, that does not mean you must give up. No, you pick yourself up from the ground and reforge that blade (your goals) into something stronger. Like tempered steel, the more you are struck down, the more you will be able to handle the pain of temporary defeat. Defeat can never conquer you unless you agree and give in. Fight, always fight, for your dreams and believe in yourself. Cultivate an iron will.

Is Life Biting You?

red sun

mosquito bites

on my skin

I tread the path

of Dante Alighieri

In life, we are often beset with troubles. They come out of the sky unexpected, to take us by surprise. While we cannot always avoid them, we can reduce their impact by staying calm.

Patience has always been a prized virtue. The Merriam-Webster definition for patience is "the ability to remain calm and not become annoyed when dealing with problems or with difficult people." This is a valuable insight that can help a person develop the traits needed to become more patient in life.

But how do you become more patient? The answer is to emulate the laws of nature. Just as the seasons have their own course and schedule, so should the things in your life. Everything should be done in due time and in its proper setting. By doing this you will begin to see the natural flow of things. Instead of fighting and forcing your way up a strong current, just go with the flow and let things happen as they should.

Another way to become more patient is to take timeouts. Whenever your feeling stressed, walk away from the problem and take deep breaths. Do not panic, but instead let peace and calmness flow through your body. Closing your eyes and taking slow deep breaths will force your body and emotions to relax. Once you feel calm and in control, you can then return to the problem and solve it in a rational manner. This strategy will reduce the wild emotions from a sudden crisis and help you think more strategically. You will find yourself able to handle the problems that come up in your life.

Patience is your friend. Train yourself to be a calm and collected person. Practice these strategies daily, and you will become a better and wiser person in the process.

Sweet Song

One summer night, I sat down in a meadow. I gazed up at the stars and saw them shine like diamonds in the sky. A warm wave flooded through me as I watched their splendor. Sighing, I closed my eyes and inhaled the night air. I smelled the sweet smell of roses in bloom; their perfume flooded my nostrils and sent my mind reeling in a delirium of delight. As I sat there, at peace with myself, I heard the cricket sing her song.

a cricket

chirps in the moonlight

summer nights

the bird in my breast

flutters at your voice

The Trials Of The Desert

desert sand

beneath my feet

burning coals

I long for a sip

of cold clear water

Life is a desert. A cruel wasteland that can suck a person dry and leave them to rot in the sun. There their bleached bones lie, a testimony to those that gave in to despair.

The desert people have a saying: respect the desert. So we must respect ourselves. Though the sands of the desert burn our feet and sap our strength, we must never lose hope. The spirit, the essence of who we are, will always be stronger than the frail flesh that we carry. Our bodies will decay and die in time, but our spirit, our will, will shine like stars in the sky. It is the guiding force in our life, and we must never allow ourselves to be broken in defeat. Hope, that great gift of humanity, is the water that we drink in the deserts of life. Drink this water deeply, that it may fill you and set your heart and mind at peace. 

You Got Mail

new message

in my email

thunderstorm

the sting of your words

cuts me like a knife

Email can be a curse at times. Why? Because we receive notice immediately. At the click of a button, we can be notified of events that happen on the other side of the world. This fast communication has its downsides. Because the news happens so fast, we can be caught off guard. The bad news can feel like a knife in the heart-- it is so sudden and painful. But there are ways to reduce the pain of unexpected surprises.

The way to do this is to realize that bad events cause pain. When you realize something is painful, you can take steps to reduce it. Reduce the pain and seek improvement through inner harmony. Out with the bad, in with the good: that should be your mantra in life. By taking bad events calmly, you can do much to reduce the inner turmoil within you. Think of it as boiling water in a tea kettle. Do not wait for the water to boil and run over the sides; let yourself be at peace by reducing the pressure. The less pressure, the better. You always want to picture yourself sailing on a calm sea. The images of those tranquil waters will soothe you in your deepest distress.

So the next time you feel sad or angry, do not despair. No words or actions can hurt you if you promise yourself to let go of the inner turmoil within you. The storm will pass and you will be safe on the other side.

Fly High

an eagle

soars in the air

rising sun

another day begins

on the path to perfection

We all dream. Inside all of us is the desire to do something with our lives. It is our power of imagination and creativity that sets us apart from the lower animals. Human thought has created all the wonders and conveniences in our lives. It is a gift we all must make use of, a spark inside of us just waiting to burst into flame. But first we must fuel the flames, we must believe in ourselves.

You are unique. In all the ages of the world, there will never be another person exactly like you. This is your gift: your unique perspective. Embrace this idea, make it part of you. The way you see the world is a blessing, not a curse. Never feel ashamed of who you are, but rather, believe in yourself. You will then be on the first step towards the realization of your goals. Stop wallowing the mud of self-pity; be an eagle and soar towards the sky.

Spring Dreams

Spring Dreams

As I sat by the shores of the sea, I gazed upon the waters. The sea shone like aquamarine, as the waves crashed upon the shore. The wind caressed my cheeks and I smiled as I looked at the fluffy clouds in the sky. As I daydreamed, a thought flashed through my mind:

clouds

over the ocean

spring dreams

my thoughts fly free

when I think of you

The Sundae Shop

The Sundae Shop

Feeling rather hungry, and in the mood for something cold on a hot summer day, I drive to the local sundae shop. Sitting down, I browse through the menu: I see root beer floats, milkshakes, ice creams of every color and flavor, and of course, sundaes. Being a "sweet tooth" fanatic, I order my favorite sundae. I rub my hands with glee as I wait for it to arrive.

It's not long before the waitress appears with my order. Smiling, she asks me if there is anything else I need. Being in love with my sundae, I can only mumble and shake my head. Smirking, the waitress returns to her duties. She knows an ice cream lover when she sees one.

There in front of me is the light of my life: two scoops of vanilla ice cream in a white bowl. The ice cream is drenched with a generous serving of hot fudge and shredded nuts. And the crowning glory is a maraschino cherry placed on top.

"A sweet treat indeed," I marvel as I pick up my spoon:

two scoops

of vanilla ice cream

in a bowl

winter never melts

with my spoon by my side

Crossroad Choices

One Spring day, I stood at a crossroad. Off to one side, I saw a wooden pole with two signs. One sign pointed East: as I looked in that direction, I saw a paved road that led to a city on a hill. The other sign pointed West: from that direction I could see a dirt road that led into a dreary and dark wood. And a great trembling overtook me. My body shook as I looked back and forth between the eastern and western path. A feeling of helplessness flooded me; I felt like a rat was gnawing my body. I bit my fingernails to steady my shaking hands. Each path seemed appealing to me, and yet I felt uncertain of my true destination. As I hesitated at the crossroad, black clouds gathered around me.

two wooden signs

at the crossroad

thunderstorm

my socks are soaked

standing in the rain

Sweet Sunshine

Sweet Sunshine

Weak and weary from a long day of toil, I paced the floor of my room. My mind was in a fog, and my thoughts chained me like a sinking ship in the sea. I saw myself in a daydream.  In my dream I was falling headfirst into the abyss,  a black pit of  unimaginable depth. Like a rock, I was hurtled down to my doom. Tears flowed down my cheeks, and my heart felt like a coffin. My breath came in short, quick gasps as sobs wracked my frame. I groaned and tugged on my hair. And then I saw you come through the door.

the night is cold

and shadows loom

before my face

hold me in your arms

my sweet sunshine

Mystic Moon

Mystic Moon

Feeling weak and weary from the day's long toils, I lay on the grass and gaze up at the sky. The moon shines like a golden coin, and the stars glimmer like glass. The heavens are painted in inky black, with shades of navy blue. It fills my heart and soul with a sense of grandeur, to behold nature's finest work painted on a canvas of creation. As I lay there on the damp grass, contemplating the wonders of the world, my mind recalls a cherished memory:

under the moon

you hold my hand

as we watch the stars

I see the fire

in your eyes for me

The Moon And Me

The Moon and Me

The moon shone high in the sky like a great silver plate. Midori sat on a stone bench in the plum garden, with the Prince's tanka in her slender, manicured hand. She shivered and hugged herself. She knew it was more than the cold that made her tremble. "The Prince had written to her!" She thought as she stared again at the tanka in her hand. After so long, he had promised to meet her in the plum garden this very night. Her heart beat like a fluttering bird in her breast, and her breath came in short, quick gasps. She pressed her cherry lips tenderly on the Prince's tanka, before she tucked it away in the sleeve pocket of her pink and white kimono. Setting her hands on her knees, she waited.

Soon, the sound of footsteps could be heard. Midori lifted her head and listened, her head tilted to one side. The Prince strode into view, a young man of twenty seasons. Midori felt a wave of heat rushing over her as she gazed on his handsome face. He looked like the Sun god himself, with that red cloak draped over his muscular shoulders. Her cheeks reddened as the Prince smiled at her.

"Midori, my dear. It is so good to see you again." He said.

Her body all tense and trembling, Midori sprang up from the stone bench and bowed to the Prince.

"Your Highness." She said in as sweet a voice as she could manage.

"Oh, please Midori. Call me Kitaro. You and I are such sweet friends. What use do we have for such silly titles, hmm?" Again he smiled and offered her his hand.

Midori's heart beat like a drum and her vision swam, as she took the Prince's hand and invited him to sit next to her on the stone bench. With a shaking hand, she brushed some of her loose bangs to the side and tucked them around her left ear. She smiled faintly, and  whispered to him:

"You...wanted to see me?" She asked, still unable to believe this was actually happening to her.

"Indeed, my dearest dove." He said as he took her right hand and pressed it to his lips. "I have missed you so much. I just had to see you again." Once more he pressed a kiss on her hand as he held it within his own.

Midori trembled and again felt her heart beat wildly within her. She could barely control her shaking hand that the Prince held. "He must not see me like this!" She thought in a wave of panic as her eyes raced back and forth between her hand and the Prince's face.

Again the Prince kissed her hand. A soft, slow kiss that hinted at something more. Midori sighed and in a stammering voice, whispered:

"And Suki? What about her?" She held her breath and strained her ears, hoping against hope as she waited for the Prince to speak.

"Ah, Suki." The Prince said with a smile. "You need not fear her, my dearest dove. She is only jealous of you--as I am of your...beauty." He again pressed his lips on her hand in a sweet caress.

Midori's mind raced at this unexpected news. "Could it be true?" She thought in her excitement. "That all this time he loved only me?" A wild surge of warmth flooded her heart and she smiled.

under the moon

you hold my hand

as we watch the stars

I see the fire

in your eyes for me

Lady Red

Lady Red

A great orange fireball rises over a meadow, as red-breasted robins chirp their morning song. And I walk among these sweet singers, listening as their melody weaves an enchantment over me. They sing like the finest choir girls, performing a cantata greater than Bach ever wrote. These heavenly strains fill my soul with God's grandeur, and I tremble as I press a hand over my beating heart. The singing increases, growing in power and purity as the sun rises higher into the air, filling the land with light. A warmth floods my body as I hear their song, leaving me breathless.

From the far side of the meadow, a figure wrapped in a cloak of scarlet slowly approaches. A wild thrill courses through me. Is it an angel? Biting my lip, I hold a hand over my eyes and stare as the scarlet figure closes the distance between us. The figure is silent a moment, then slender fingers pull down the hood. A smiling, grey eyed feminine face greets my eyes. A wave of recognition overtakes me. My heart feels like it will burst as I gaze upon this angelic beauty. With a cry, I leap into her waiting arms.

sunlight

on my face

Spring rain

I remember the first time

you caressed my cheek

Open Arms, Open Heart (Guest Post)

Open Arms, Open Heart

Patiently I waited. Some days were harder than others, but I kept doing just that. I waited for a sign of trust. A sign of need. Some may say it was stubbornness. I don't think so. I call it faith. The day arrived that you came to me. To your surprise, my arms were open.

a warmth in my chest
but heaviness was in yours

doubt starting to fade
you feel my arms encase you
a true test now overcome

Amy Maier wrote this post. She writes on positivity and how it can change your life. You can find her work here.

A Walk In The Woods

A Walk in the Woods

One cloudy day in March, I went for a long walk in the woods. My feet trudged down a long trail that wove its way among the trees. The cold wind pierced my back and sent shivers down my spine. I felt a great weight pressed on my shoulders, and I sat down on a rock to rest myself. As I sat there, I listened to the wind blowing through the woods. With a sigh, I closed my eyes and buried my face in my hands. Then the sun came out behind the clouds.

sunlight

scatters the clouds

a sweet smile

to brighten long years

alone in the woods

Be A Bookworm!

rows and rows

of hardcover books

on a shelf

my journey begins

into unknown lands

Books are a good friend. They are constant companions in our lives. And yet, many people disdain them. Anything old is thrown into the trash bin. This is a sad mistake. For within these pages, are worlds to explore.

Learn to appreciate books. They are the key to your improvement. Study the classics in the fields that interest you. Drink deep the words they contain. Like a muscle, your mind will be improved with careful study.

Develop a study plan and stick to it. Promise yourself that you will read one book a month. Try to pick something that will improve your mind, rather than entertain you. This may be hard at first, but with dedication and practice, you will soon know the joys of reading.

But why wait? Pick up that book that is collecting dust on your bookshelf. Pore through its pages, and you too will begin a journey into unknown lands.

Happy Hearts

moonlight

a piano sonata

on the lake

sweet summer nights

spent in your arms

The power of love. What a sweet sensation that fills our body--a lightness of walking on air. We drift in clouds and dream of delights with our special other. The whole world seems more magical and worth living when our dearest is there with us. Somehow, things just seem to click and fall into place. We feel whole.

Cherish these memories. Love and respect the other person in your life. Learn to think in a "We" attitude. Understand yourself, so that you may better understand your love. Always think with a sense of togetherness--two people must beat with one heart. Just as there is harmony and melody in music, so must there be in a happy relationship.

Make these things a part of your life. And feel your bond with your partner grow. Love, so that you may be loved. Be a Happy Heart.