Collateral Damage

Don’t let others suffer
as your life buffers.
Take your energy
and create positivity.
Understand your pain
before pushing it on
others. Don’t let it
affect innocent subjects.
Manage collateral damage.
Control the toll it takes
on you and your soul.
The butterfly effect will
reflect the choices
you made and the games
you played. Be kind
because we cannot rewind.
Remind yourself to love
when push comes
to shove. Face the struggle
and learn to juggle.
Be fair and stern.
There’s still many
lessons to learn.

Shell Shock

The war is far from over. Each day
awakens another demon. To say
that life is a breeze must be a lie.
It is hard to stay positive when
you know, you too, will someday
die. All we can do is try to stay
sane. There is a war inside all
of our brains. There is some sun,
but mostly rain. Life can be fun
if we decide to run before father
time tucks us in. What we lose
in things is gained in wisdom.
When the dust settles, we will
see that past souls have risen.
The war is far from over, yet
the score is far from set. Bet
on yourself and don’t give up.
When feeling shell shocked, be
the rock that does not stop
staying on top. Win the battle
today. Strap on your saddle.
Ride closer to the finish line.
When the war is finally over,
our mission will be complete.
That’s when we will be okay.
That’s when we will feel peace.

Time to Shine

It’s time to shine. Dry those eyes.
Move into the night. Dance as
you watch the sun rise. Seize
the day. Enjoy each passing
moment. Breath: it will be okay.
Exist. Live without trying. Smile
after crying. Push yourself to be
the light that fights the dark.
Don’t be a dog that won’t bark.
Don’t be a fish. Be a shark
that tears negativity apart.
When every candle blows out,
and each light turns off, be
the light that guides others.
It’s our time to shine. Time
to write the end of this line.

Gray Days

Some days are gray days.
Dark clouds. Heavy rain.
No umbrella can help
us stay dry. Some days,
gray days fade to blue.
Most days, raindrops fall
turning seeds into trees.
Some days, the breeze
reminds us of the cold
world we occupy. We try
to get through the gray
days. On the worst days,
we find ways to follow
the light that pierces
the darkness. We have
seen many gray days.
We know it to be tough
when smooth becomes
rough. We know that
life has its ups, downs,
and roundabouts. Life
is full of green grass,
blue skies, gray days
and we are full of life.
Look past the haze;
do not let gray days
take the sunshine away.

Reflection 2.0

I walk past a mirror,
and I stop in my tracks.
I look deep into my own
eyes and see a boy who
does what he can, a boy
making it work, despite
the absence of light.
I look into my eyes and
see a boy looking for
answers to impossible
questions. I am looking
at a boy doing his best
to remedy devastation.
I can’t tell if I am seeing
my own reflection or
that my reflection is
seeing me. I look a few
moments longer, studying
my face and its history.
There is a story to be told
in each smile and frown.
Before I break my gaze,
I remember all my days.
I wave to my reflection
and walk away from
the mirror, knowing
I have nothing to fear.