Lyrics of The Heart

I Am

I am what nightly haunts your dreams,
The nights of tears and drenching sweat;
I'm lurking while you cry in streams,
Until new dawn red eyes reset.

I am the ache behind the mask,
What others fail to see in you;
The grief behind your heavy casque,
While smiles you paint to hide your blue.

I am the scar that mars your heart,
That drowns the hope for which you reach;
The voice you hear when bad dreams start,
When nightmares strive your sleep to breach.

I am depression, darkened soul,
Your one companion, while you cry;
I'm not your friend, I have a goal,
To steal your light, until you die.

www.angellionel.com

Precious Life

Life, unseen, wends a lengthy hall;
It reaches home, behind a wall.
This home, designed to carry life,
Then wraps the gift with a soft shawl.

This gift, a child that thrives within,
On mother's face a smile will pin;
When life inside she starts to feel,
Her heart, this precious child will win.

No sacrifice will be too great,
No pain will make her love abate;
Not darkness, sadness, nor despair,
Will keep her from a wondrous fate.

She will embrace this growing soul,
Her greatest love will be her goal.
And when at last the child is born,
This precious life, will make her whole.

www.angellionel.com

Lazy Summer Days

It seems... surreal, this warm touch,
This luscious day of heat and such,
While soaking feet at ocean's edge,
And breathing life I love so much.

The sand cascades between my toes,
A nuanced pleasure waves compose;
My joyous lips a smile display,
My nostrils breathe the briny rose.

I love these lazy summer days,
Of picnics, parks, and warming rays,
Of swimming, running, biking slow,
Of holding hands with hearts ablaze.

Of children playing with their dogs,
Of turtles basking on drowned logs,
Of mothers baking cakes and pies,
Of ponds where music streams from frogs.

But summer won't forever last;
Yet, here, at ocean's edge so vast,
It seems eternal is the time,
While standing still... as waves recast.

www.angellionel.com

Reminders of Autumn

I walk a lonesome path I once had crossed;
It's quiet on this early morn of frost.
I think of autumn, that she has to leave,
For winter calls, and snow to trees will cleave.
A painting she will leave for me on trees,
Of colored leaves, that flutter with the breeze.
They dance and twirl, then rush to kiss the ground;
Their stunning colors clothe the land around.
This beauty I absorb as I walk on,
Then stop to breathe the air of early dawn.
One scarlet leaf I pick to take with me,
Reminder of what autumn days... can be.

www.angellionel.com

Long Is A Poet's Night

Return, my muse, my voice give back,
For night has yet to settle down;
As sundown dims to shades of black,
My thoughts in fading ink now drown.

My fleeting words are barely there,
Unnoticed, lines that crave the light.
So please, my friend, see my despair,
And grant me words that I may write.

This darkness hides the world outside;
It veils my eyes so I can't see.
Rich colors daylight had supplied,
But now my words will not pour free.

Beside the window, dressed in black,
I sit, and frown, for night has won;
My coffee cools, my pen holds back,
My muse has left me, like the sun.

www.angellionel.com

Tears For Autumn

There is a tree, not far from here,
With branches reaching to the sky.
Its age unknown, from what I hear,
It waits for fall its leaves to spy.

It signals fall to paint its leaves,
Not gold or yellow, even brown.
It wants them red, for when it grieves,
When autumn flees at winter's frown.

Soon autumn's brush adds hues of red,
Some crimson, scarlet, rust, cerise.
Young artists then on canvas spread,
The tree's red crown, a masterpiece.

But when spry autumn says goodbye,
The leaves begin their slow descend.
The crown, her pride, begins to die,
And sheds red tears at autumn's end.

www.angellionel.com

Beautiful Seasons

Four sisters vie to dress the earth,
Each one with beauty quite unique.
Their visits fill all hearts with mirth,
The young and old, the proud and meek.

Fair spring can make the flowers grow;
Her scent ascends to widened smiles.
Then there is summer with her glow,
She wears warm gowns of sundry styles.

Cool autumn crowns the trees with brown,
Then yellow, gold, and even red.
Cold winter brings her softest down,
And spreads her blanket on earth's bed.

These four my heart have always won,
Their graceful charm I always miss.
But still I save my love for one,
The season that my lips will kiss.

www.angellionel.com

Wondrous City

This wondrous city takes my breath away;
Protective walls do keep it free from dread.
It sends its riches far all night and day,
On flowing rivers filled with ships of red.

Its athenaeum holds a treasured scroll,
Which guides its work precisely from the start.
Its bustling center always in control,
Provides instructions for its world to chart.

When enemies attempt its walls to breach,
It sends a signal to its armies, fight!
Surrounding them with greatest rapid reach,
They slay the hordes before they spread their blight.

Designer of this city, You I praise;
Your work is wise, of this my lips will tell.
In awe my mind and eyes will ever gaze,
This wondrous fort, the humble human cell.

www.angellionel.com

The Last Red Tear

The oak tree holds one last red leaf,
For autumn's dance has been too brief;
Now winter waits to claim the stage,
To share with all her white motif.

I stand beneath that ancient tree,
And hope the leaf the wind won't free.
It stands on guard while autumn smiles,
Forestalling winter's early spree.

But as all leaves before this guard,
Whose reddish face the wind has scarred,
Its strength to hold the gate will fail,
And then the door will be unbarred.

As winter's breath draws ever near,
The leaf gives way to her cold cheer;
Now winter spreads her dress of white,
For fall has shed her last red tear.

www.angellionel.com

Shades of Gray

My mind in darkness walks alone,
No friend to talk to as I groan;
No words to spur my weakened legs,
No hands to lift my arms of stone.

My eyes are drawn to shades of gray,
No colors, tints, but hues of clay;
No rainbow arch after the rain,
No crimson lips with which to play.

My heart is weak, but wants to fight,
To fend despair and leave this night;
To see tomorrow's dawn arrive,
And kiss a day of colors bright.

www.angellionel.com

Beautiful Fall

Beneath the smiling sun she sprightly walks,
Enchanting all who view her rainbow dress;
Alluring us with colors she unlocks,
Uplifting hearts in wait of winter's stress.
The tints of blue and brown, majestic red,
Imbue the land with life where steps she takes.
Fall brings her palette full of joy to spread,
Until the trees are clothed with winter flakes;
Leaves spring to blazing life before they shed.

Fall feeds the eyes and minds as winter nears,
And loads our souls with strength until the spring;
Like butterflies cocoon as summer cheers,
Let fall's embrace warm you with joy and zing.

www.angellionel.com

Florence

From far away she slowly walks,
Her shrieks of anger rise and climb.
She rides the ocean as she stalks,
And traps the day in lightless time.

Across the vast expanse she goes,
Her windswept hair of clouds her crown.
Beyond her breath are cries of woes;
Her angry tears small islands drown.

She reaches land in darkened skies,
The trees all shake their heads in fear;
Undressed, now bare, as waters rise,
They start to moan, for death is near.

www.angellionel.com

When We Met

Remember, dear, the first time that we met?
Twas sunset then, a time I won't forget.
We walked and talked, I lost all track of time;
Oh yes, for you, great mountains I would climb.

Your smile had kept my heart in constant race,
It cried to me that your love I should chase.
Your laughter reached the deepest part within,
A song so sweet, I wore an endless grin.

With every tilt your head had made, I sighed,
And words of love for you fast-flowed inside.
We said goodnight, and shared a gentle smile;
I danced back home, like Fred Astaire, in style.

I slept that night with dreams of only you,
With every scene my fondness only grew.
I made my mind your hand to then pursue,
To be my wife, for whom my love is true.

It's now been thirty-six grand years to date,
Through good and bad, our love did not abate.
Each year my love for you grows stronger still,
With dearest warmth, I seek your heart to fill.

www.angellionel.com

Keep Hope

Sift the angry ticks of time;
Seek to rise above the fray.
Life without a goal to climb,
Makes the heart an easy prey.

Frailty seeks the mind to numb,
Bitter words from lips to flow.
Selfish hearts to greed succumb,
Stand your ground against this woe.

Loss of faith will set ablaze
Pain that stirs to doing wrong.
Glimpse your life through better days,
Hope is sure to keep you strong.

Self-respect gives sense of worth;
Take good care of those who groan.
Grant no space for hate to birth;
Hold to hope, you're not alone.

www.angellionel.com

Songs of Sunset

The sunset calms my mind this ending day;
It bathes me in its red and orange blush.
Field crickets start to chirp at fading ray;
The trees ring out with songs, a lovely thrush.

This chorus joined by robins then inspire,
Poetic words that flow as if a song.
My heart is filled with lyrics set on fire,
Which moves me then to join this splendid throng.

When day and night complete their graceful dance,
And hues begin to fade as light seeks sleep,
The stars and moon applaud this grand romance,
Then smile with sparkling lights, while dreams I reap.

www.angellionel.com

Autumn's Dance

Autumn dances on the field,
Flowing dress a golden brown;
Trees observe and colors yield,
Leaves they shed, her feet to crown.

Cooler days she brings with her,
Smiling softly as she whirls.
Squirrels prance below a fir;
Young men sing to lovely girls.

Parents and their children play;
Couples share a tender kiss.
Kites above cavort away,
Twirling with the wind in bliss.

Seasons come and seasons go,
Summer left, now autumn shows;
Winter waits her turn to glow,
Standing by for autumn's prose.

www.angellionel.com

When Eyes Seal Shut

When night sore eyes with darkness veils,
Hope enters halls where dreams are born;
Endearing sights the mind replays,
Naively seeking life once torn.

Entreating songs the lips intone,
Yet words will only wounds incite;
Endemic to all darkened dreams,
Seduction taunts sad hearts at night.

Soon darkness sleeps and signals dawn,
Erasing plays no one recalls;
Afraid of grief that pains the soul,
Love quests to flee these dreary halls.

So strive to find your way back home,
Help heal a soul that cries in pain;
Upend the past, invite true love,
Take heart and seek new life to gain.

www.angellionel.com

A Lost Rose

In dreams he seeks her every night,
The girl who once had owned his heart;
He was sixteen when she took flight,
And shot him with a poisoned dart.

Tonight his dream presents a rose,
It slowly rises as the dawn.
Its petals, red, invite him close,
To heaven's scent he has been drawn.

A dewy mist falls from the sky,
Her tears of years spread on the ground;
He asks her why she let him die,
The day his heart with hers was bound.

She answers, "young we were back then,
And unprepared for love to find.
I thought that we would meet again,
Once passing time our hearts refined.

But now we need to say goodbye,
To end the chapter, close the book,
So that our hearts their tears can dry,
And leave behind what time forsook."

The rose then withers before him,
As wrenching pain his body pounds.
Despaired, he wakes while light is dim,
And sobs her name, in tears he drowns.

www.angellionel.com

A Summer Day

A white summer dress sways in the gentle breeze,
As the hot sun bathes with warmth the land it roams.
Light winds play with the leaves of towering trees,
A leafy haven where birds will build their homes.

Fresh blooming flowers in scented garments glow,
And perfume the air as hummingbirds fly low.
Couples spread their blankets on the grassy field;
They sense summer's touch as their hearts to love yield.

www.angellionel.com

Summer Tears

The angry sun was scorching lovely earth,
As rays of August stained her verdant gown.
She sought an end, and so to clouds gave birth,
To clothe her form in garb as soft as down.
With harsher heat the sun began to frown,
Then heaped upon her form its glaring ray.
Her anger roared with thunder all around,
Which lit the sky as clouds she turned dark gray;
She burst in waves of tears, that dreadful summer day.

www.angellionel.com

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;
There, now a star in silence 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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

A Voice In The Night

When night had set in quiet ashen gray,
He sat upon his bed in startled stare,
For he had heard a voice, a ghastly bray,
Which kept his mind awake in great despair.

He knows not where the voice is in the room,
But feels the words from lips his soul debase.
With burning ears his mind hears words of doom,
Which cause his heart to run a frightful race.

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

www.angellionel.com

Lovely 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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

Thundering Cries

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

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

The Kiss

the cool evening air invites her foggy breath to fly,

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

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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;
The rising 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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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

www.angellionel.com

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 sunny smiles the sun would then eclipse,
And we with words 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're new,
This soul in tears to you forever sings,
With all my heart, I love you! I love you!

www.angellionel.com

Haunted Dreams

The darkened room can hear him cry,
To rhythmic flow of words unshared,
As painful thoughts just beg to die,
Where haunted dreams his loss has bared.

Accusing lies, his soul bemoans,
The years of love they shared are dead.
Her words are cast like granite stones,
To shred his soul upon his bed.

His mind then seeks to answer, why?
Her lucid strands of words decry;
And now that his world proved a lie,
He prays for strength to say goodbye.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

Mended

With senseless care my heart your love embraced,
When young of mind its trust in you had placed.
Yes, 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 to me revealed,
A ghastly sight to eyes that once were sealed.

She held my hand, my heart she gently healed,
Then love for her my soul began to yield.
I thanked the girl whose balm my heart did mend,
And begged her hand the years with me to spend.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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,
Which 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 to love's endeavor,
Where earth will kiss our feet,
As our hearts are bound forever.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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. Their last day
together 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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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".

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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 gazes at her, he softly
breathes,

"Because she is worth holding on to."

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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!

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.'

www.angellionel.com

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?

www.angellionel.com

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."

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

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.

www.angellionel.com

Words In A Poet's Heart

A poet's heart is like a singing room,
Where verse, emotion meet, and songs compose.
A pen records what moves the poet's mind,
Although at times a wall the words oppose.

The dreams to paint on paper slowly fade,
And sadly, dried of ink remains the quill.
So strong the craving to record the dreams,
The poet prays a story to instill.

Then like a river's water running deep,
That flow unhindered to the waiting sea,
The poet seeks to tear the wall which hides
The lyrics that the heart wants to set free.

And so the poet peers the world around,
Where melody inspires psalms from above;
Delightful are the words the heart recites,
And then the pen to paper makes sweet love.

www.angellionel.com

Drift Not Away

Sleep not this day's splendor,
Lest you drift silently away,
For time is a selfish bearer,
And will keep what it attains.
But should the wind 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.

www.angellionel.com

Angel L Villanueva

When in high school I read the lovely poem, Dawn, written by Paul Laurence Dunbar. I loved the wonderful imagery and feelings it evoked, moving 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. I had penned most of those poems during my teenage years, so the loss was painfully felt. After that I held back from writing. However, in 2005 my desire to write was rekindled after reading the delightful work other poets had been creating.

In the past my poems have been primarily about relationships and marriage, but more recently I have expanded to other subjects.

I prefer simplicity of words in my poetry, though I enjoy works where fancier expressions are skillfully used.

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

Images have been included with the poems. I hope they will add to your reading enjoyment.

Click on an image to read the poem.

Thank you for your visit!