Dear Readers,

I have observed and experienced that many times people feel trapped in roles that cause them to feel sad and empty.  The surprising element is that some of the roles are meant to create happy and satisfying lives, but they don't.  It's time to examine our lives and change or modify the roles that hold us back and don't allow us to enjoy our lives to the fullest within our unique circumstances.

                         It’s Time

 I’ve been told by many to embrace life,

that I have the power to

live my life the way I want it to be,

not what others say it should be.

Again and again I have felt

confused, sad & fictitious,

leading a life that is often

empty and lonely.

It’s over.

The time has come to hang the

“Do Not Disturb” sign

on the doorknob of my heart

for everyone to see.

It’s time to discard the so-called

Master Plan of my life

and concoct a surprise about-face.

It’s time to remove those leeches

who try to siphon the little joy I have

by making me feel guilty

for what is out of my control.

It’s time to let those others meet

the genuine me who has been hiding

behind the curtain of falsehood

in pursuit of acceptance.

It’s time to meet the me who will

 try hard to embrace the ups and downs

of life and move on,

perhaps slowly and in a direction that is

not to everyone’s liking,

but nonetheless, moving on.

It’s time.

Remembering Dad

I have been editing my poems in preparation for self-publication in book form.  Among the poems, the following one is appropriate for this coming Father's Day weekend.  It also connects with the new poem I published last week, Pondering Life, because it supports the fact that when we love a person who is no longer physically with us, the essence of who she/he was still remains. Every time we think about the many happy and beautiful moments shared with that loved one, he/she lives on.

Legacy

You are gone!

Just like that!

Quietly, serenely, decisively,

knowing your destination.

So many times before

during your long,

drawn out illness,

we thought about it,

spoke about it,

imagined it,

but now it’s done.

You are gone.

The piercing pain of loss

breaks our spirit.

It is done.

You are gone.

But…then again,

not completely.

A part of you lives on

in each one of us.

You are present

in that discerning smile,

unfaltering walk,

and persuasive talk.

You are present

in how we view life,

in how we live life,

in how we share life.

Yes….for many,

you are gone,

but not for us.

The essence of who you were

remains.

That’s your legacy.

How comforting to know,

Dad,

you are still with us.

 Pondering Life

Those who know me well have said that I tend to overthink many aspects of life.  I agree. Perhaps I have too much time on my hands or it could be the many unexpected life experiences I have had.  Whatever it is, here's another poem that emerged from my overthinking how fast life moves on.

When I think of my life and where I am today,

the thought that goes round & round is

that life seems to be slipping away and

there is no return.

Where have all the years gone?

A well-known phrase becomes a mantra,

It seems like only yesterday…

I was young and energetic;

I was studying, working, loving my life,

keeping in tune with the rhythms &

flows of life, yet through it all,

things changed,

sometimes at will, other times unwillingly.

Life experiences, new relationships,

unfamiliar surroundings,

birth & death,

have all provoked changes.

Births are happy moments,

they bring with them

the promise of immortality,

renewed youth, hopes & dreams.

Loss of a loved one brings sadness &

searing thoughts about life when

faced with the reality that

everything the beloved embodied

will be forgotten over time.

The same way photos fade,

memories fade and disappear.

Thus, here I am today,

approaching the end of my life &

still pondering the meaning of life,

the brevity of life, and wondering

if love is the key to longevity,

not a physical span of time,

but a spiritual one.

Perhaps to love profoundly

and be loved

may be the answer.

Perhaps we will live in

the hearts of those we loved

as long as they shall live.

Perhaps.