The Great Exodus

The entire city was on fire.

Flames engulfed each building

and house. After centuries, people

left behind their homes, their old

lives. Traditions, history, stories

faded. Ashes were the only thing

left after everyone left. Although

the fire destroyed the past, hope

filled the hearts of the refugees.

They knew they had to believe.

The people rebuilt and gathered

a new understanding. They moved

to a new spot, and regained all

that was lost. They knew life had

to go on, and they weren’t wrong.

A beautiful new city rose from

the ground. They passed life’s test

once they put the past to rest.

False Profit

We work most of our days

for a false profit. The richness

we seek will surely leave us

weak. Day in and day out,

we lose ourselves in the vast

shadow that society casts.

We chase paper that means

nothing in the end. We search

for happiness that only exists

inside of our hearts. We yearn

for love, but find ourselves

lost inside of price and cost.

Every day, we feel empty due

to the temptation of possessions.

We tend to value things that have

a price tag, which leaves us stuck

inside a self-made cage. Numbers

become more important than words.

We love to eat chicken, but we don’t

consider the journey of the birds.

Before we know it, our lives will be

nothing more than repetitive steps

that drags us down to the deepest

of depths. One day, you and I will

be memories of the past. Let’s hope

we can burn all of our cash before

both feet touch the ground on

the other side of the door. More,

more, more is what we want, and

loneliness is what we get. We must

not work for a false profit. No amount

of cash will make our happiness last.

Stitches

My clothes have looked ripped,
torn, and haggard from the day
I was born. I didn’t think they
were worn down until they were
handed down. Despite the dirt,
I saw clearly. I got clothes yearly
at Goodwill, thrift stores: clearly.
I have fallen, tripped, and ripped
my clothes. It’s the way it goes.
Instead of feeling bad for myself,
I slowly got up looking for help.
It didn’t take long before I found
a queen without the silly crown.
She was happy to show me around.
Within days, I learned how to sew.
With learning to sew, I learned how
to heal. Each time I fall, I recall many
lessons that lessen the hurt and pain.
When I fall, I know my wounds will
heal and my clothes can be stitched.
When there is nothing left but love,
that’s when my life’s been enriched.

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.

Paradise

It takes a special kind
of eyes to look around
and notice a paradise.
We don’t think twice
to worry or dwell on
all of the small things.
We are used to the sun,
so, when the sky rains,
we focus on our pain.
Rarely, do we let go
of the past that has
a stranglehold on us.
We choose to take
the bus instead of
taking a long walk.
There is beauty in
the things and people
we find ugly. It looks
bad if we’re judging.
Open your eyes and see
a world above and below
your feet. Seek new life
in the scope of your sight.
Create the life and love
you desperately need.
Kill that voice inside
your head – kill him
dead. Seek refuge beside
those joining you on
this wild ride. Remove
the veil covering your
eyes, open wide and see
life as a fleeting paradise.