Meanders of The Heart

When Heaven Speaks

Night returns, and I gaze the sky
As the heavenly grandeur speaks.
I listen intently, and sigh,
For such grand beauty I hold high;
A shooting star silently streaks.

I smile and wonder where is he,
The one who set celestial laws
When he created all I see.
Some would say there is only we,
But can I deny just because?

When I observe what nature tells,
In awe I see design in all
That lives, even the tiny cells.
And now, as heaven shows what dwells,
I sense just why we are so small.

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Together

Too fragile to stand on their own,
They lie, side by side, holding hands.
The ones who now care for them cry,
Then see them smile and pass away.
Those many years shared, they treasured;
Together, love had made them strong,
Till the end, holding hands, in love.

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Heart Ballads

If time stood still, and stars and moon did end,
And raging oceans doused the blazing sun,
My heart for you would ever ballads send,
For nothing then could make my love undone.
Do hear the urgent calls from my glad heart,
For you it beats unceasing when apart.

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A Voice In The Night

When night had set in quiet ashen gray,
He sat upon his bed in startled watch,
For he had heard a voice, a ghastly bray,
That kept his mind awake, his sleep then botch.

He knew not where the voice was in the room,
But felt the words from lips his soul debase.
With burning ears his mind heard words of doom,
That caused his heart to run a frightful race.

The voice derides his mind with taunting flak,
In fright his eyes engage to find the moan.
He comes upon the mirror staring back,
And sees his lips now move, the voice his own.

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Wife

To what should I compare my lovely wife,
To crimson roses blooming in the sun?
For these in reddest red are full of life,
Yet none, not even one, has her outdone.

Her smile is like the brightest of the stars;
Can moon and sun ablaze then shine as bright?
Ne'er ever have I seen of reddish Mars,
The blush of red on lips I kiss at night.

Her copper skin is soft, like silken thread,
And when she softly walks my breath she holds;
Her bosom bears my head when tears I shed,
An arm of tender love around me folds.

Compare her then to life is what I'll do,
For every breath I take she grants to me;
With gentle words of love she utters true,
My fondness grows so deep, it fills the sea.

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Crimson Stilts

My love holds my attention as she dresses...
Grateful eyes follow her every graceful move.
Ascending her voluptuousness on crimson stilts,
My heart breaks out in happy songs;
In stilettos, paradise walks towards me.

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Morning Love

Tonight, as heaven paints the sky above,
I see a shooting star, all fiery bright.
'Tis calling at my heart to write of love,
And share the words with you at morning light.

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Thundering Cries

Earth shades her eyes
From the brilliant sun;
Copious tears wet her gown
As thundering cries are heard.

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I Await

A child I was when upon my bed I called out to you,
For I had dreamt a life of void where I no longer was.
No existence, nothingness, was what haunted my dream;
To bear the thought I could not, of no longer being.
Fear... fear quite deep and numbing embraced me,
Its coldness reaching into the deepest part of my being.
But this fear, this agonizing fear, you removed from me,
And replaced it with hope, such a wonderful hope!
A hope of redemption, a hope of renewal, a hope of life!
But not just life that passes like mere wisping smoke;
This life, this wonderful gift you promise, is eternal,
Like the one Adam squandered along with his wife,
When he selfishly chose to turn his back on you.
It's been decades since that night, when you answered my call,
And yet, that wonderful hope still burns deep within me.
I know that you will bring your promises to fruition,
That your words of comfort will not go unfulfilled.
Till then, I patiently wait, no longer in fear,
No longer a terrified child crying upon his bed,
But a man, a gray-headed man, who awaits your call.

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The Kiss

the cool evening air invites her foggy breath to fly,

but I, in a moment of adoring passion, inhaled her moistened kiss

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Till Death Us Part

I remember years gone by,
Married young, yet hopeful eyes,
Days and Nights of that July,
Thirty now, plus six, our ties.

Happy days and blissful nights,
Times of ache when we were pained.
Through it all we kept our sight
On our love, from hate abstained.

Here we are as time has passed,
Best of friends is what we are;
Looking back into our past,
Treasured moments our memoir.

Strongly etched upon my heart,
Words of love for you do burn;
Solidly till death us part,
Holding hands, to dust return.

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And Heaven Cried

Fertile fields once full of pride,
Dying lands from thirst have dried.
Now undressed, laid bare and sad,
Verdant gowns their form once clad.

Clouds approach from far away,
Silent prayers the valleys send,
Bursts of tears then fall that day,
Heaven cried, the land to mend.

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When Spring Arrives

The songs of birds are heard outside,
As spring arrives, a sprightly bride.
The budding flowers smile with pride,
Their brilliant colors amplified.

Light rain falls on the grassy side,
Where verdant blades sprout high and wide.
The rabbits now with food supplied,
Step out with youngsters unified.

The insects crawl the countryside,
All types and shapes and brightly dyed.
Now squirrels play in turn beside
The leafy trees, then branches ride.

I smile as spring serves as a guide,
Of nature's beauty magnified.
Tonight I'll dream, quite satisfied,
That spring this day with love replied.

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My Living Dream

While night is young, my dreams take flight,
My mind, in whirls, shows tales of fright.
Cocooned, like caterpillars might,
Emerging dreams sprout wings pale white.

I feel a tinge of sadness bite,
When dreams of yours are not in sight,
To merge with mine, and then invite,
Our hearts to dance until first light.

I search and call for love's ignite,
Yet darkened dreams are kept affright.
Surrendered, I am full of blight,
As words of love my lips indite.

When dawn arrives, my dreams are trite,
I failed to see your face alight.
But then I turn, at morn's twilight,
And you are there, to my delight.

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From Now On

From now on, set our hearts ablaze,
With kisses from your ruby lips;
Your hazel eyes, intrigued they gaze,
Full lips then yield to lustful nips.
Beside your frame my body lies,
Your shape I taste with hungry eyes.

I've craved this moment here with you,
And thousands more I'll crave again;
I will my love declare anew,
And never will it start to wane.
Our bodies seek to meld as one,
Entwined in trust, for love has won.

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Catfish Noodler

The river swells when rains arrive,
And bathes the thirsty land around.
The bottom dwellers soon revive,
When water sheds down to the sound.

Now barbels seek some place to mate,
A hole or trunk, to lay their eggs.
Soon noodlers wade with hands as bait,
To tempt the cats out from their beds.

The catfish fight all those who stray,
Into their nest, large mouths agape.
The noodlers know that cats will play,
When hands or feet their barbels scrape.

When monster cats with mouths inhale,
The hands that touch their whiskers' end,
A fight ensues where bodies flail,
But to the noodler, cats will bend.

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Flaming Love

A tilt of her head, a sensual smile;
Even after all these years together,
Her signal still makes his heart dance.
She slowly walks past him, hips swaying,
An arm extended; fingers taste his face.
O, the feeling of her silky touch!
Glancing over her shoulder, she winks...
He follows, knees weakened;
They embrace, and share words of love.
In that instance, they merge as one,
And are carried on a flaming chariot,
To the very edge of the universe.

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The Mad Squirrel

One morning on my route at work,
I drove my truck with mail to serve;
The back was full, where parcels lurk,
As clients wait right by the curve.

A stretch of road, a lengthy mile,
And down ahead a squirrel roused;
He glanced my way, an evil smile,
I knew right then that he was soused.

I didn't care to slow my truck,
Expecting him to turn around,
But in a dash of madness stuck,
The squirrel decides to take a bound.

Too late it was to stop or swerve,
We both then shared a moment's eye;
The mirror showed him by the curve,
I swear I saw a finger rise.

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Summer Bliss

My mistress, how I've missed her touch!
Her morning warmth and noon of heat,
Makes other times not seem like much;
Without her kiss I'm incomplete.

Her dress of silk is deepest green,
Adorned with blooms of various shades;
Her bonnet blue... O so serene!
Clouds dance with glee as light cascades.

The birds all fly around her form,
And land upon her lovely hand;
They now with eagerness perform,
Majestic ballads 'round the land.

Her loving touch renews my soul,
My eyes I close to feel her kiss;
Her warm embrace now makes me whole,
With lady summer, I'm in bliss.

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Intangible

I rise this morn with thoughts of you,
A graceful girl that I once knew;
The shore calls out a warm invite,
To walk in search of time once bright.

The surf then plays melodic tunes,
As it caresses sandy dunes;
Soft sand gives way to stepping feet,
Meanwhile the sun with smiles I greet.

The gulls in playful circles fly,
With calls that lace the morning sky,
Reminders of the walks we shared,
When once our hearts where singly paired.

But now all that remains of you,
Is windy whispers I can't view;
Intangible as you've become,
To gentle whispers I succumb.

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This Leaf

Oh, this leaf!
This leaf to my chest I cleave,
For it holds within itself,
The image of your lips so sweet.
How I crave your scented breath,
When your lips descend on me.

Oh, this leaf!
So luscious it looks to be,
As your lips its shape resembles,
In crimson hues its color bleeds.
How I love to feel the softness,
When your lips descend on me.

Oh, this leaf!
How can I ever release,
When apart I am from you,
It reminds me of what can be.
How can I contain this heart,
When your lips descend on me.

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Dreams of Yesterday

Today has kissed goodbye to yesterday,
Yet tempting dreams tonight she will display,
With tortuous songs of love in disarray,
To press the wounds with salt, to my dismay.

But sweetest lips my own will never taste,
And so I hold to dreams, with poison laced,
For fear tomorrow brings my life to waste,
And end the road of love I long misplaced.

Her figure tempts my craving heart's return,
A price my mind now knows my soul to burn,
So I replay the dreams, to her unlearn,
In hopes of granting life for love to yearn.

Tomorrow dawn will kiss my saddened face,
Reminding me that life I should embrace,
For lips of poisoned love it can replace,
And end the horrid dreams she won't erase.

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The Signs

See the signs as they arise,
Increasing quakes, reports of wars;
Godless hearts now mock the faith,
Near to death, they ignore the four.

Offensive words pour out from lips,
Fomenting strife and warring cries.

The signs they now refuse to heed,
Heaping scorn in ranting screed,
Enticing hearts to crave what's bad.

Toward the end the horsemen charge,
In steps with words of prophesy;
Men of faith recorded light,
Enlightened hearts are given sight,
See the signs as they arise.

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Puerto Rican Child

The island, Puerto Rico, my sweet home,
Where happy children played with homemade toys,
And ripened mangoes layered smiling lips...
What joyous time for wide-eyed girls and boys!

Our humble house on sturdy stilts was built,
To face the rising floods the rains would bring,
But into brownish waters I would swim,
Not knowing yet of nature's ugly sting.

The stiffened wind would sail my flying kite,
As chicks and ducks had eyed my widened smile.
It seemed they feared that I would fly away,
And meet the kite to play above the isle.

And after play when hungry I would be,
The fruiting trees would samples to me give;
Delightful songs from mother I would hear,
A call to home... in dreams I now relive.

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Paradise

Lost by two who wrongly,
Selfish thoughts embraced,
And then brought death,
Upon their children,
Through sin's infernal stain.
Until a selfless one his life,
In love laid down to cover sin,
Gave hope to those,
Whose faith is true,
That paradise,
Will be regained

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I Love You

Today my heart in pain cries out for you,
As somber thoughts play out what we once held,
Recalling days gone by when we were two,
A life of dreams where hearts with love had swelled.

Your sweetened kiss, bestowed upon my lips,
Had sent my joyous heart to heaven's gate,
Where blissful cries the sun soon made eclipse,
And we in peaks of love then pledged our fate.

I loved you more with every passing day,
And planned to ask your hand to be my bride,
But then your heart was turned to ashen gray,
And pierced my own when you to it had lied.

In songs they've flowed from lips of poor and kings,
Still I recite the words as if they are new,
This soul in tears to you forever sings,
With all my heart, I love you! I love you!

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The River Bend

I walked a winding trail one summer eve,
In steps delayed, to set my mind at ease.
But still your form intrudes as careless tease,
Reviving thoughts of you that I may grieve.
The trail then ends aside the river bend,
And I, with glee, enjoyed the water's flow.
It clears debris to send it far below,
Reminding me that time all pain can end.

In silence I then pause to watch and learn,
As fragments wash away in muted calm,
And I, with glee, then found what hearts do yearn.
The river shows what can be done to clear,
The heart from pain, and spread a soothing balm;
Removing that which traps a man in fear.

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Haunted Dreams

The darkened room can hear me cry,
To rhythmic flow of words unshared,
As painful thoughts just beg to die.
In haunted dreams I hear your groans,
Accusing lies, my soul bemoans,
The years of love we shared unpaired.

My mind then seeks to answer, why?
Your lucid strands of words decry,
And now my world was proved a lie.
Yet tears I truly shed for you,
Despite your words, a hateful brew;
I pray for strength to say goodbye.

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Tarnished Reflection

A cup of hot tea keeps her company
while she peers through her window;
happy images replay in her mind
as her reflection shares her gaze.

Long ago they met, and fell in love,
the stalwart handsome man,
and the shy young maiden.

She had fallen madly in love with him,
and gave him her heart; he loved and
treasured her, the dear love of his life.

They married, and became a family;
children and grandchildren their joy!

She muses about their life together,
the good times and the hard times,
the days of sorrow and days of delight;
there were years full of challenges,
while others knew no end to happiness.

She would gladly do it all over again,
except for the one day when death
came to visit, and took him away,
leaving her harrowing in great grief.

No, that is not a day she could live
through again.

As she enters the last of her fading
thoughts, tears cascade down her face;
droplets sink into her now cooling cup
of tea.

She brings the cup to her lips,
and takes a sip, then relives the
anguished pain of her tears.

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Spring's Promise

Her softest kiss she offered me today,
As gentle warmth embraced my longing heart,
But winter's jealous grip pulled us apart,
When cold and icy snow the day turned gray.
I begged for spring to stay and share her love,
Instead a glancing peck she placed on me,
Before her leave to let her sister be,
Then pranced away to yield to winter's shove.

But as she left a wink her eyes did cede,
And softly smiled as words her lips released;
"Do wait, fear not my sister's cold embrace,
For days she has before I take my place."
And so as Lady Winter's dance increased,
My joy to Lady Spring's sweet words gave heed.

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Love Pledge

Consider my words as I expound them to you,
And allow your imagination to come into view.

He pledges a life of wealth and splendor,
And I a home of love, not words of surrender.

His discordant nature with time you would see,
Your joy can abrade causing laughter to flee.

And his wordy intentions appealing may sound,
But with lack of sincerity his words do abound.

Remember these thoughts as you fancy his embrace,
For with pain and sorrow your spirit he will glaze.

Select with your heart combined with your mind,
For neither alone can true love ever find.

The entwining of two hearts into one isn't simple,
But if true love is displayed the cords will not wimple.

For my part I offer my soul, my love and my heart,
A future with children, our lives they will chart.

Outside they shall play as we joyfully observe,
My lips will reach out, yours a kiss they will serve.

In building our family our age will then show,
With children and grandchildren as we then let go.

But what greater pleasure could there possibly be,
Than to walk hand in hand toward eternity with me.

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The Heart's Armor

Craving slams like waters at the dam's wall,
Spilling over and reaching the heart's door.
Wantonness follows in hungry pursuit,
Its heavy embrace a torturous sore.
Lust's arms await emboldened in laughter,
As ominous thoughts around the heart dance.
Yet the gates assuredly strong must remain,
For true love in power will take its stance.
Love is not a passing whimsical thought,
As when in youth infatuation ruled.
It is the armor that bears the assault,
It shields the heart that it may not be fooled.
Treacherous is the heart unprotected,
But love the gates will guard when selected.

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Mended

With senseless care my heart your love embraced,
When young of mind its trust in you had placed.

For never days the sun would dare to sleep,
Till wine your lips my own would cause to weep.

But twice the time my sorrow drowned in pain,
When words of love your smile would sadly feign.

False satin sheets of joy you did employ,
Then trapped my heart to play with like a toy.

Too young of heart to see what light displayed,
Revealing faces drunk in horror's shade.

This blinded soul in love was led astray,
Till she arrived to lift the veil away.

In horrid pain your mask was then revealed,
A ghastly sight to eyes that once were sealed.

She held my hand, this heart she gently healed,
Then love for her my soul did gladly yield.

I thanked the girl whose balm my heart did mend,
And begged her hand the years with me to spend.

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The Bench

"They truly are jewels," the man muses while sitting
on the park bench. The recipients of his admiration were
not aware of his attention as they hurriedly went about
their cares. Not that it mattered; to him, his approving
gaze was just an acknowledgment of the beauty women
possess, and nothing more.

While still in his thoughts, an old man sits on the
empty side of the bench. His white and bushy eyebrows
accentuate his deeply wrinkled skin.

"He hasn't aged well," judged the younger man.

The old man nods a greeting, which the younger man
returns. For some time silence reigns between the two,
before it is broken by the old man.

"I envy your youth," said the old man in a soft voice,
"the strength and vigor you possess allows you to still
enjoy the delights of these beautiful blooms."

The younger man, surprised to hear the remark, offers
a faint smile and replies, "I'm a one-woman man."

The old man in turn allows a tepid smile to arch his
lips, then postulates, "Admirable, of course. But surely,
the craving for a taste of other sweet fruits does
beckon at your lips occasionally, does it not?"

"My cravings are reserved for only one lovely woman"
answered the younger man. "In my view," he continues,
as he turns to look at the old man, "unrestrained
yearning is just a cavern within the heart, where
selfishness reigns as king. I don't believe happiness
can be truly achieved by selfishly feeding that hunger."

With a soft laugh the old man counters "Perhaps.
Still, what great pleasure can be had while in the
arms of a woman. As such, why would a man limit his
love to just one? After all, the desire to taste
the nectar of many flowers burns within the hearts of
men. Isn't that why you sit on this bench, to admire
and lust after the beautiful women walking about?"

The younger man reflects on those words for a short
moment as the old man examines his countenance.
Then, gazing into the distance, he replies, "A man
is walking in a field of lovely lilies as his eyes
admire the great beauty before him. He pauses for a
moment and selects one lily from among all of the
lilies on that field. He carries that one lily,
enjoying its beauty, its wonderful scent. It is only
that one lily that holds his attention as he walks;
it is only that one lily he touches and caresses."

Now turning his gaze toward the old man, he concludes,
"I have already found my one lily. Yes, I still admire
the beauty of the rest of the lilies before me, but
only one has captured and holds my attention."

Undeterred, the old man retorts in a pleading voice,
"It seems truly sad and even wrong to shut out the
desires of your heart. Life is short, and you have
but just one to live."

The younger man stares at the old man and replies,
"The Good Book warns that the heart is 'treacherous
and desperate.' I heed those words, for the heart can
indeed lead a man astray. Still, it is also capable of
loyal love. It is that love that will guard the gates
of the heart."

With that, the younger man stands and bids the old man
a goodbye, then journeys back home to his one true love.

In a whispering growl the old man declares, "this battle
you have won, but countless have been my victories from
this bench; tomorrow is another day... yet another day."

The old man stands and sternly glares in the direction
of the younger man, then disappears in a mist of acrid
smoke, a red tail trailing behind.

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Which One Is The Rose

In silence from a distance
My eyes cleave to your face,
Inspiring me to recite poetry
Of love wrapped softly in lace.

I thirst for a closer look,
As hands caress you lightly;
Your scent she does enjoy,
I smile as hips sway slightly.

As I approach your color livens,
A crimson painting ablaze,
Becoming vivid in appearance
As she holds you truly amazed.

But confused I find myself,
Since to your presence I drew,
For now I can't decide,
If the rose is actually you.

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Bound Hearts

The moon is a silent witness
To the love we express this night,
And it beams its smile upon us
As our souls merge in light.

Our lips embrace with fervor,
As songs of love you cry;
They sink into my soul,
And prompt my heart to fly.

So hold my heart in your hands,
And sail with me toward heaven,
Where we'll pledge a blessed union,
On stars our words engraven.

As the angels joyfully cry,
We descend embraced as lovers,
And earth will kiss our feet,
As our hearts are bound forever.

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The Unknown Path

The early morning fog clouds his vision,
yet he can make out her outline
within the shroud of the heavy mist.

Her divine figure entices him to join her,
while she also signals with a finger to follow.

He is hesitant to traverse this unknown path,
but her smile, like a beacon welcoming
weary seafarers, seduces his senses,
and so he complies with her request.

In what seems like hours, he follows her,
his heart craving the delights she promises;
so blinded is he in his singular pursuit,
he does not notice their space never narrows.

Then in the distance he hears the familiar
wails of a siren, warning him to return.

But he already knows it is too late,
for he is now lost in his dream.

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The Bridge He Crossed

Rain droplets kiss his face
as he walks across the same
bridge where they first met.

It has been many years since
he last saw her. The last day
with her had been a painful one;
they had parted ways then, a
decision he has since regretted.

The reason for their breakup
has faded from memory... a lie he
has forced himself to live with.

He stops near the bridge railing,
and closing his eyes he sees her,
the beautiful face that haunts
his dreams each and every night.

A tentative smile visits his lips;
how he achingly misses her!

As he continues to walk, he sighs,
and imagines the raindrops falling
on his face are the tears they both
shed that day.

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The Painting

The painting is all I have
To remind me of your grace,
A beauty so rich and deep,
The colors offer but a trace.

Your eyes follow my steps,
My defeated heart on the wall,
Then I pause before the frame,
As pained tears yearningly fall.

I caress you with my fingers,
And plead for your return,
But death mocks my tears,
While my life it does upturn.

When at night you own my dreams,
In soliloquy my heart despairs,
For your presence on my bed,
The painting cannot share.

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Chocolate Kisses

Her soft and dark skin glistens,
Making my mouth water in anticipation.
The cocoa scent teases my senses;
Her full-bodied darkness tempts me!
I can just feel her creamy sweetness
As my tongue glides along her skin,
Gently melting her feeble resistance.
I smile as her richness fills me,
Making me moan with intense pleasure.
Such is the delight of the wonderful
And utterly addictive chocolate kisses.

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Walk With Me

Hold my hand,
walk with me;
allow me to show you
the stages of our love
in this wonderful journey.

Eros - for your body consumes me;
Agape - for it is unconditional;
Storge - for deep is our affection;
Philia - for unbreakable is our friendship.

And so,
as we walk hand in hand,
enduring arduous times,
setbacks and obstacles,
remember,
the stages of our love
will nourish us,
strengthen us,
cement us,
until we reach our destination,
in eternity's embrace.

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For All Time

Meet me where the sun kisses bashful earth,
See her blush when to colors she gives birth.
Its grandeur will hold our awed attention,
And our hearts in song their love will mention.
This lovely painting Aristotle knew,
Yet a grander window grants us our view.
But theirs is not the full beauty this night,
For standing before me you do shine bright.
Your shapely form and lips beckon a taste,
My hands reach out for the grace of your waist.
When trembling our lips cement with a kiss,
Two hearts then are bound in glorious bliss.
We hold our embrace forever it seems,
In intimate glow we merge on the scene.
Aurora smiles and more colors then shine,
Now my heart to you belongs for all time.

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Lady Winter

I saw Lady Winter walking past me,
Her alluring luminescence held me captive.
Spellbound, I watched as she silently danced,
Carpeting in white what surrounded her.

When she finished, soft cotton dressed the foliage
And light bounced gloriously in every direction.
I felt only warmth radiate from her body
As she stood still to examine her handiwork.

She closed her eyes, and sensuously smiled,
Then captured the moment, and froze it in time.

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Lady Spring

It is now nearing April,
Yet Lady Winter still cleaved,
And so I asked Lady Spring
Why this lover she deceived.

I enjoyed the balmy days
She warmly showered with glee,
So why does she now delay
Her luscious kisses on me.

With a beckoning finger
She called at my saddened heart,
And smiling whispered softly,
"My warmth to you I'll impart."

She promised me her sister
Would be finishing her spree,
And that soon she would depart,
Sending spring to embrace me.

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Lady Summer

Every year she entices me with a smile,
luring my heart with her wondrous profile.

From a distance I see her sensuous advance,
her titillating figure holds me in a trance.

Her beauty is majestic, the air she does cheer,
so longings for her touch my spirit holds dear.

Still sadly at a distance her warmth does remain;
so she lovingly whispers, 'my bosom you'll gain'.

The kiss of this siren I do wish to feel,
to refresh this soul, at her feet I will kneel.

Her return will reveal her wonderful grace,
so come Lady Summer, and this lover embrace.

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Lady Autumn

When playful summer waves her last goodbyes,
a wonderful change envelops the landscape;
the stately trees begin their annual blush,
creating a grand painting all behold in awe.

As I admire the wondrous palette of colors,
the artist comes into view, Lady Autumn;
she waves her hands to and fro, adding
shades of red, orange, yellow and blue.

She is herself a beautiful sight to behold,
her auburn hair freely flowing as she dances
across the fields; her soft laughter and
sensuous smile fills my heart with delight.

Lovely Lady Autumn completes her artwork
as the air cools and the days grow shorter;
and now a spectacular panorama warms the eyes,
inviting couples to happily walk hand in hand.

Lady Autumn smiles as she inspects her masterpiece,
then she notices my astonished eyes on her form;
she approaches, and with a soft kiss on my cheek
tells me, "with colors I have made love to you".

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Crossing Paths

Their paths cross on his way home,
and though no words are uttered,
in silence their eyes speak volumes.

Dressed in red, her vivacious walk
is entrancing; her hips sway a
most coquettish and sensual dance.

It is difficult for him to ignore
such outward beauty, though he also
wonders if her inner beauty is just
as mesmerizing.

As they silently sail pass each other,
a telling smile paints her lips;
his soul flutters, but he scolds it,
keeping it from betraying the one he loves.

He glances back for one last look;
pleasing to the eyes is that woman in red,
but not as delightful as the one who stole
and forever holds his heart.

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Merging Dreams

In the cover of night
she stepped into my dream;
wondrous were the images
she caught playing in my mind.

Mesmerized by what she saw,
she was compelled to trek further,
until what she searched for
was now openly naked to her sight.

It was the last of my dreams,
still encased in a silky cocoon.

She smiled and patiently waited,
for soon the dream would take flight.

Not long thereafter emerged a butterfly,
brightly colored and eager to rise.

She then spread her own wings
and invited me to follow,
so that we could share a dance,
and then kiss at dawn's arrival.

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Dreams

I don't know you,
but my heart pines
for your touch.

I've never seen you,
yet your beauty
fills my thoughts.

We've never talked,
though your words
have caressed me.

I've never held you,
still your warmth
lingers on my body.

I beg, sate my
longings for you,
be there in my dreams.

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Worth Holding On To

The gentle summer breeze lightly caressed
the man's face as he sat on the meadow;
he loved observing the butterflies dance on air,
myriad of floating kaleidoscopic colors, alighting
here and there.

His heart was filled with joy at the knowledge that
such beauty existed, and it thrilled him to be alive.

As he extended his hand, a particularly striking
butterfly landed on his open palm, with wings
outstretched, as if inviting an embrace.

She did not flee when he sought a closer look, she
did not fly away when he gently touched her wing.

"You are so beautiful," he exhaled.

Suddenly, ominous dark clouds appeared on the horizon,
and every living creature took to shelter. But the
butterfly remained with the man as he staunchly remained
on the meadow.

In an instance, thunder rang mightily as the wind
screamed all around him; the rain pounded his very soul
while he desperately sought to protect the delicate object
held in his protective hands.

But soon, it was over, though it seemed forever, and the
sun smiled upon him once more. Uncupping his hands, his
heart rejoiced, for she was joyously with him, wings
outstretched, colors brilliant as ever.

Just then, a mighty voice rang from above, with an
inquiry to which the answer was already known.

"Tell me, my son, why did you not let her go and seek
shelter when the storm approached?"

Puzzled by the question, the man gazed skyward and
meekly replied,

"Because, she is worth holding on to."

Then, gently smiling as he now gazed at her, he softly
breathed,

"Because she is worth holding on to."

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Early Morning Frost

It’s a cold winter morning;
you awaken
as I observe silently;
early morning frost on your window.

Ah! delightful view that I have!

You approach,
desiring to view the white snow;
pure cotton blankets the landscape;
your sweet breath fogs my eyes
as I bask in delightful bliss.

Your thoughts,
I wish I could read them;
the warmth of your body, so close...
allow me to hold you but for a moment,
and it will seem an eternity.

Serenity is on your face,
smiling, as a finger traces your lips.

What are your thoughts?
Can I be your lover?

The wind lashes at the window
and you notice the morning frost;
your fingers caress me softly,
gently wiping me away.

The early morning frost is gone,
and you return to sleep.

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Fiery Heart

On a lovely tranquil evening
When silence ruled the night,
A delightful warmth was felt
By a poet who could not write.

His thoughts had been evasive
And nary a word would rise,
For dreams his mind was leering,
So he turned to weary eyes.

As he glanced across the room
A luscious view he had,
Of his mate of many years,
Whose beauty kept her clad.

The poesy flowing from her
Intensely streamed as art,
And even her burning aura
Coalesced into a fiery heart.

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Beauteous Flowers

Hearken the hearts of men,
Whose eyes in awe delight,
On the beauteous flowers,
Covering the lush plains
Of the Creator's canvas.
They bring much joy,
To the weary sons of man,
Uplifting their spirit,
Their strength,
Their will to live.
For the prospect of holding
One of these lovely flowers,
Their hearts dance with glee!

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A Promise Kept

That night they agreed to meet in secret,
Away from judgmental and prying eyes,
And submit their hearts to love unbounded,
Beneath the view of the starry skies.

The stars at nightfall where shining brightly,
While awaiting love to blossom strong;
A couple promised to meet in secret,
And pledge their hearts before this throng.

The stars applauded with brightened glee,
For nearing closer the couple sped;
They guide their steps immersed in darkness,
As stars that night their light all shed.

A delightful view the stars did offer,
As the couple arrived with nervous flush;
The two embraced and sealed their promise
With a kiss that made the stars all blush.

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Love Her With Your Heart

Her visits had become infrequent,
the woman in his late-night dreams,
but he was not certain why that was.

His intense affection he had declared to
this beautiful maiden, the one who had
seduced his heart and caressed his soul
in his sleep.

He yearned to see her face once more,
to delight in her perfumed body, to
feel the softness of her skin.

Then, during one of his frequent dreams,
she appeared, floating gracefully as always;
her white dress danced around her
as scented orchids encircled her aura.

A gentle smile adorned her lovely lips
as she silently approached where he slept;
for a short moment he remained silent,
dreadfully fearful of driving her away.

Yet, he needed to know the answer,
and so with great angst, he inquired,
"Why have you distanced yourself from me?"

She gazed at his face for a moment, her eyes
examining his own, as if searching into his heart.

Then she replied, "My own heart has ached,
for I have longed to be with you, but no matter
how deeply I search into your soul,
I can only see that you love me
with your eyes, not your heart."

Upon hearing those words he fast awoke,
and while laying on his bed, he silently wept.

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The Lonesome Trail

On a snowy day when my heart was cloudy,
my friend and I hiked a lonesome trail,
where silence embraced us as we walked,
before it was broken by a question's hail.

The exchange of thoughts was surely rapid,
but understood they were in any case,
for my dear close friend knew me well,
and so comfort he sought to put in place.

My heavy heart was then much lifted,
and thankful was I to this dear friend,
who has always been my best companion,
and ever helped my heart to mend.

I took a moment to glance at our footsteps,
but there were no signs he showed himself,
then a knowing smile parted my lips,
and I continued walking, just myself.

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Restless Thoughts

Far away her thoughts restlessly wander,
Immersed in sadness over her lost love;
Loneliness now is her new companion,
And her tears like rain shed from above.

Their hearts once joined in singular songs,
And caresses and smiles were their banquet;
Now forlorn of comfort her heart bemoans,
And daily it wails as she cries on her blanket.

Far away her thoughts restlessly wander,
Searching for answers to life's brutal joke,
While she still holds the last roses he sent her,
As they too die with the heart that he broke.

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The Night Maiden

On a moonlit night he saw her,
a vision of beauty unlike any
he had seen on his many walks.

Her sheer gown sways in the
evening breeze as her hair plays
with the whispering wind.

Her poised and voluptuous figure
makes his heart race like a stallion
on an open field; it craves her!

She glances over her shoulders,
a sublime smile signaling a welcome.

With unsteady yet wary steps
he begins his journey towards her,
eager to be embraced by this maiden.

As he nears her she extends her arms,
ready to receive him into her bosom;
but his quest is then abruptly ended
when awakened by his clock's alarm.

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Her Inner Beauty

The rose petals strewn along my path
serve as my guide while I search for you,
as I ignore the flowers that beckon,
though their nectar glisten with dew.

This craving heart petitions your love,
it has its eyes solely on you,
so that the flowers that temp me so much,
only a glance I offer untrue.

When I reach your body so splendid,
the rose petals ascend from you,
it is then that I realize,
your inner beauty is what I pursue.

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Lasting Beauty

The early years have departed,
Brief is the course of life,
Yet time's passing has not
Dimmed the love in my heart,
For though your outer bloom
Has gradually faded,
Your inner beauty remains.

Loving and affectionate,
Such grace ties my
Heart to your own,
And will hold me captive,
Until death from me demands
My unpaid debt.

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A Couple's Game

She knowingly smiles,
inducing a heart's dance.

A timid glance,
swift darting of eyes;
sensual hips
waving at me.

Shifting of body,
glancing again;
heart-shaped rear,
temptress that you are!

Ending of day,
yet tomorrow,
we'll play again.

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God's Arms

The requiem tore her heart
As memories flood her mind,
The mate that she had known,
Their love both had entwined.

In grief she called to God,
In the stillness of the night,
To soothe her injured soul,
A mind in tortuous plight.

In pain she begged and pleaded,
Not knowing if He would hear,
The mournful cries of His child,
Whose bed was filled with tears.

When alone she greatly felt,
And woe infused her heart,
His soothing voice she heard,
Much calm it did impart.

God did hear her cries,
And eased from her what harms,
Then restful was her sleep,
While cradled in His arms.

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Come Play With Me

Each night he looks forward to his sleep,
for it is only then when he can see her,
the graceful young woman who gleefully
calls out to him, 'come play with me.'

He does not know her name nor where she
comes from, only that she is always
there, standing at the edge of the woods
when day bids farewell and welcomes dusk.

Each time he has only admired her from a
distance, for he has feared losing his way;
but it would be different on this night,
for he was now ready to answer her call.

But as he stands at the edge of the woods,
eager to run to her at the sound of her voice,
he notices the deafening silence surrounding
him; he does not see her nor hear her song.

As dusk turns to darkness, and morn' is about
to return, a mournful cry escapes his heart;
he has waited too long to answer her call,
and now fears he has lost his lovely sprite.

In distress he cries out to her with all his might,
his voice echoing around him, 'come play with me!'
she does not answer, and with light embracing him,
he awakens and whispers, 'come play with me.'

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The Lake Nymph

Sleep overtakes me and my dreams take hold;
Wondrous are the stories that in my mind unfold.

Yet one dream is missing like a page in a book,
So I wait for the lake nymph to guide me a look.

On her skiff she appears in a red dress adorned;
She takes me over water and sings me a song.

The nymph soothes my mind with her feminine voice,
And enters the chamber where lovers rejoice.

A sudden awareness of her warmth fills my heart,
Then she knowingly smiles as my dream she imparts.

On arriving where I was destined I pleaded to stay,
For she was the missing dream I wished to display.

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Life's Chapters

Life is a book of many chapters;
some relate stories of a happy childhood,
playgrounds, ice cream trucks, and friends,
while others of awkward teenage crushes
when love is but a passing mist.

Yet others tell of unshackled pain
expressed by sad and broken hearts,
when words on paper are unchained,
and with tears the ink bleeds like cuts.

But there are also chapters of true love,
where hearts entwine and merge as one,
and the words 'live happily ever after'
a wonderful reality becomes.

Which chapter should I turn to tonight?

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Lilac

A man while lost in his thoughts walked
along the edge of a quiet and less-traveled
road; his heart, weary and downtrodden from
years of loneliness, accompanied his every
step with slow beats of its own.

The man's search for the one blossom to make
him whole had thus far proved fruitless, so
misery had made a home in his heart.

Then suddenly, his senses were awakened,
synapses were set on fire, while his heart
cried out joyfully! a wonderful scent engulfed
him, bathing him, beckoning.

With eyes closed, he inhaled the paradisaic
perfume until his lungs were immersed in the
most wonderful of pleasures.

Opening his eyes, he saw her, the one he had
been ardently searching for, Lilac.

To win her heart, he will sing to her soul and
shower her with true rains of love and affection;
then for the rest of his life until his last breath,
he will adore and treasure her, the beautiful Lilac.

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Treasured Memories

An old photo album caught my eyes
as I searched for papers on which to write;
it had been many years since I had seen
that old treasured book of memories bright.

I sat to peruse the wonders of my past,
and savored the moment each photo conveyed;
those years had vanished, but here did remain,
the stories of my heart, on photos arrayed.

One beautiful image my eyes happily caught,
and a smile and two tears my face did repaint;
she was young and vibrant, the girl I had met,
for whose love I fought, our hearts to acquaint.

Today she would claim she just fell for my wiles,
but to my effort of heart she succumbed in the end;
yet in private a whisper to my ear she would sing,
"I did love you first, you did not know it then."

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Temptations

The soft silken linen drapes sensuously
Along her majestic body, subtly revealing
Kissable treasures hidden beneath; my heart is
Enticed to savor her delights.

Meager seems my resolve to such temptation,
Emptying a heart's vaulted strength.

Infused with her body's perfumed bouquet,
My nostrils delight in her womanly fragrance.

Yet I refuse to take hold of her fruit,
Obeying the voice of my unrelenting conscience,
Undoing the frustration tearing me apart,
Reaching into my deepest emotions, and rightly
Severing this man's lustful notions.

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Red Sprite

In red she enters my dreams
The nights passion touch my heart,
And though I sense her presence,
Her red veil keeps us apart.

Her lips are silky smooth,
To me she warmly reveals,
And my own sing out to her,
For a kiss my heart appeals.

She hovers gently above me,
Then utters sugary phrases,
Which caress my cavorting heart,
And rouse desire in blazes.

But when light each morn' returns,
Alone this body feels,
For with red markings on my lips,
The sprite my fate has sealed.

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Missing Her

Lonely are my nights
Without her by my side,
And empty is my heart
When it craves her being,
But wretched is my body,
And hellish is my torture,
When a taste of her lips
Is a distant ambrosia.

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Disquieting Echoes

Last night her dreams invaded my own,
And in soulless silence I heard her moan
The disquieting echoes she had sown.

Words and phrases she had long hidden,
Naked and exposed were now written,
Emptying her vessel of pain unbidden.

The stabs at my soul I could not endure,
Too sharp her words carved at my door,
While sentencing my mind to grief's allure.

Last night her dreams invaded my own,
Tearing the fabric of joy we had sewn,
Emptying a heart of love she had known.

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Reflection

The old man examines the youngster staring
back at him.

His innocence is striking, a gentle smile
adorning his cherubic face; a child,
without pain in his heart.

Not having experienced the scars of life,
he seems contented, happy that his
world is whole, where nothing is missing.

The old man so wishes to counsel him, to
offer instructions to guide this child,
to be a shining light on the precarious
road ahead.

Yet, he is powerless to help;
to show the child the pits he should avoid,
and the lessons he should treasure;
the friends he should keep,
and those he should leave behind;
to reveal the times he will fall in love,
and the times his heart will be torn asunder.

He wants to extend a sheltering hand,
To offer the wisdom that comes with
tested age; but he is unable to do so.

They share a knowing smile as tears well in
his old eyes.

Overwhelmed by sadness, aware they have to part,
their hands reach out, and their fingers touch;
he then bids the child goodbye,

as he walks away from the mirror.

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Scars

How often we cry whilst
We stare at our scars;
No, not the physical ones,
But the scars of the heart.

An old photo on the bureau
Of happier times when two
Hearts had merged as one.

A nuanced fragrance whispering
At our senses while walking
Alone in a crowded park.

A glance from a stranger whose
Likeness triggers images
Of a treasured past.

Do not despair,
For painful as those memories may be,
They remind you that you are alive,

And can love again.

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Sending My Heart

Sadness embraced your
Countenance when I left,
And misery tortured my heart
For the lack of your touch.

Hence in absence I send
You a bouquet of flowers,
Scented with jasmine,
Juniper and myrrh.

And so that loneliness a
Prisoner does not make you,
Within the flowers find my heart,
To keep you company,
Till my return.

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Sing To Me

Sing to me while I sleep,
Chase my nightmares away;
Caress my face with your lips,
My fears help me allay.

Hold my hand in yours,
Allow the tears to flow;
Whisper that you love me,
Then promise you won't go.

Place your hand on my heart,
It beats only for you;
It cries recalling today,
The pain we brought I rue.

Sing to me while I sleep,
We smile as morning returns;
You've saved me from myself,
My love for you still burns.

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Somewhere She Wonders

Somewhere, not sure where,
A girl sits on a swing hanging from a tree,
While her thoughts wistfully wander about,
Then linger on a lover set free.

Their love had been firmly bonded,
This thought she had strongly believed,
Till he embraced the heart of another,
And her own he painfully grieved.

And now she introspectively wonders
Where her former lover's name belongs,
In her heart as a treasured memory,
Or scribed on the tree where she longs.

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Memories

Your eyes are
Windows to your being,
They allow me to
View the splendor
Glowing deep within;
But night advances,
And the windows close,
Now I remain alone,
With just the memories.

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Flamenco

O Spanish woman
With the piercing stare,
Dressed in red
And a fan well-paired,
Sway your hips
With undulating flair,
Till men at your feet
Fall ensnared.

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The Hummingbird

I opened my eyes,
And there she was,
The hummingbird.

Funny how fragile she seems,
Yet so powerful in flight.

I gaze in amazement as she hovers,
Searching for that one flower
To give her what she desires.

Selectively, carefully, she searches.

The hummingbird;
What a beautiful creature.

As I admire her,
I can't help but wonder,
What if I'm the flower she searches for?
I smile, and close my eyes.

No creature compares to her;
The hummingbird.

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Crimson Rose

A man while on a walk down a winding road
caught sight of roses in flowering mode;
it was a garden of beauty in blooming fire,
where the reddish palettes he did admire.

Yet among those roses was one of delight,
whose deep crimson color his heart did excite,
but a protective cover of thorns of might
prevented his reach to this lovely sight.

He paused and wondered if he still should reach
for the wondrous rose and the thorns to breach;
yet so strong was the fondness for the rose he felt,
no pain could hinder what love had dealt.

So he thrust his hand among the thorns
and reached for the beauty his palm to adorn;
in pain he grimaced as blood fast flowed,
yet happy he was in his hand she glowed.

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Heaven's Dew

I sit patiently waiting,
counting the minutes
as she readies herself.

During that time
I observe and ponder
why it is that men treasure
the beauty that is a woman.

And though the answer is
self-evident, the truth
that captures my heart,
is that her kiss does feel
like dew from heaven.

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The Love He Meant

Her cries were plainly mournful,
so strong her uttered words,
even through the storm that gathered,
her sobs were clearly heard.

She wailed in frantic panic,
her love had walked away,
a fight with words of tartness,
his spirit had brought dismay.

She knows his love is real,
his warmth has covered her soul,
so in fear she cursed her misery,
as her mind just lost control.

Yet unseen was he behind her,
when his heart to her he sent,
then he wrapped her in his arms,
for her his love was meant.

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Silhouette

Silhouetted among the colors
of God's creative works,
she walks along the wet sand
of the pounding surf.

Too shy to approach her,
he observes from afar,
but wishes that he could be
this eve's guiding star.

He longs to have the courage
to sing from the heart his duty,
that heaven has richly painted
the palette of her beauty.

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Forgive Me

Your annoyance is palpable,
my words were not reasoned;
though in innocence uttered,
with salt were not seasoned.

Now pleading I bend my knees,
and ask for your forgiveness,
for the impetuous words uttered,
in pain my heart bears witness.

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True Rose

I am limited in my ability
to sing about the elegance,
the tapestry of colors
and sensuous scent of the roses
adorning your delightful frame.

But this I absolutely know,
not one of them,
even in their glory,
is as beautiful
nor as alluring
as you.

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Web of Lies

Much too often a lie becomes truth in
The minds of those spinning the web;
False words and contrived emotions
Are laced with unfeeling acid tears.

This is their clothing, spun from lies,
To shape the true feelings of another,
And sate their own cowardly notion
Of what is right and what is wrong.

But in reality their lies unravel quickly
When faced with a stand from the strong;
It is their own web that holds them captive,
Yet too blind they are to see this truth.

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Coquettish

How coquettish your look!
it nearly breaks
through his gated heart.

Yet,
though stalwart
he may be in his resolve,
a nibble at your
strawberry lips,
he begs,
to quench his
scorching hearth!

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Words In A Poet's Heart

Writing is a melodious room in the heart,
Where verse and emotion meet to compose;
A pen records what croons in the mind,
Though at times a wall shows up to oppose.
The images to paint on paper vanish,
And empty of ink remains the quill,
Yet the poet craves to record the dreams,
With fanciful words, a story to instill.
So like the raging waters of rivers deep,
Containing the lyrics never shall be,
For with strength of heart the poet does seek
To open the room and the words to set free.
And so the poet peers at the world around,
Whose melody inspires psalms from above,
Then words of the heart are sweetly captured,
And to virgin paper, the pen now makes love.

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Drift Not Away

Sleep not this day's splendor,
lest you flit silently away;
but should the drift ensnare
the skiff and carry you far
beyond my reach, a mournful
cry to the heavens your ears
shall perceive, and on rose
petals you'll walk back to me.

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Angel L Villanueva

When in high school I read the lovely poem, Dawn, written by Paul Laurence Dunbar. I loved the wonderful imagery it evoked, and it moved me to start inking my own thoughts and emotions.

Years later, during a move to another home, the notebook containing all of my poems was lost. For many years after that I held back from writing. However, my desire to write was rekindled after reading the delightful work other poets had created.

My poems are primarily on love, romance, relationships and marriage, but writing about life in general, even including a bit of humor at times, appeals to me. I prefer simplicity of words to express thoughts and emotions in my poems, though I enjoy reading poetry where fancier expressions are skillfully used.

I have written many of my poems in the first person, but it does not mean they are all autobiographical.

Images have been included with the poems, which I hope will add enjoyment to the reading.

Click on an image to read the poem.

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