Below is the new order, or actually, the old order. Since a lot of it dealt with deja vu, and to me now is that time, I thought it interesting to put it back the way it was when written. As I also said before, it was meant to be not as deep or as serious or on philosphical topics as The Versatile Verse was, but it was written more for fun. I tend to do better things writing-wise, when done quickly while my mind is actually on other things. All poetry collections written after it, Triumvirum, Quadranine, and Pentacle, were much better, all better all around, but this is the one that many things now point back 

Newly reinstated ones (OANRs), just for this one: When all the good is gone, Beginnings, The End, The Gilded Prison, Blippity Blip, Donuts and Coffee, In-between, The Other Side of Life, In Your Shadow, The Old Shoe, Who am I?, Backtracks, Seven Riddles, Question Not, Might I, Be Aware,UBU (You be you) , Repetition, Only the dead can say, I... 

   Perchance to Dream
    Dare to Dream, Pocketful of Miracles,
    Crystal Castles, Pie in the Sky,
    Foolish Dreamer, Broken Dreams, Ruminations

   Love & Sex
    I found my soul, To Be You, We once touched,
    Maidens Faire, Goodbyes, My Love is real,
    Memories of Spring, In Between Us, In my heart,
    Remember me

   But it doesn't rhyme 
    Once Gotten- forgotten, This Room, One Morning,
    Humility, Judas

   Life
    Quest for Certainty, Affinity, Circles,
    Monomania, Montage

   Death
    My soul has died, My Last Goodbye, Midnight,
    ...and hope to die, QC 333, Breaking Away

   Meself
    I am, Once is me, Of God, This Day Me, Repeats

   Silliness
    Capricious is Delicious, Mr. Bluebird,
    Of Dragons and Kings

   Odd Ends
    Melodies, Blinding Fear, Look Away, Nognogdin,
    Causes, Follow the Leader,
    That's What the People Say, Yet Again,
    Swan Song

These 3 were written before Repetition but were to be included with it: Infinity, My Missing Past (still missing, :-), When all the good is gone, That's What the People Say

        In this room
          many people exist
         in the present and in the past
           but none of them
          will ever be me
            within this room

        Many who came before
          have gazed upon these walls
         and stood upon this floor
           I too can see
          what they saw
            but not how they saw it

        They still remain
          calling out in a silence
         only the deaf can hear
           and linger in the shadows,
          waiting and watching
           as we come and go

        I can't see them
          yet I know they are here
         because they too loved this room
           as when I leave
          a part of me stays
            in this crowded room

        Good Morning,  Mr. Bluebird
          and how are you today?
         Are you merely passing through
           or do you have time to stay?

        It's always so good to see you
          and hear you sing your song
         You are always so cheerful,
           singing out is never wrong

        I am very glad
          that you dropped on by
         You just do what you want
           and never wonder why

        I hope you like the food
          which I've left out for you
         Maybe it will make you
           a brighter shade of blue

        Do you even realize
          that you are blessed
         just for being different
           than all of the rest?

        Goodbye,  Mr. Bluebird
          I must be on my way
         I must get back to my work
           though you are free to play

        There is a point in time
          a second before now
         when nothing is definite
           and all is infinite

        We are here and there
           or rather now and then
         The barrier is our minds
           and its narrow confines

        We see the beginnings
           of events which always were
         yet only in an unformed state
           can anyone or thing create

        To understand, remember
          what you never learned
         We're too distracted to miss
           what came before this
 

        My time is gone
          I have reached the end
         never to live
           or to be again

        Where it went
          I do not know
         but that is where
           I now must go

        I know not why
          this seems so strange,
         why that I
           will never again change

        I will never be
          again a causality
         for I have outlived
           my mortality
 

    Mine is the sun
      and for me it shines
     It gives me the food
       upon which my soul dines

    Mine is the earth,
      its oceans and its land
     It gives me a place
       upon which to stand

    Mine is the life
      which exists everywhere
     It gives me purpose
       among the others there

    Mine are the stars
      and the vastness of space
     for they are in me
       as I observe their place

        Some want to follow
          while others want to lead
         Some prefer to wander,
           it all depends on your needs

        Some have big dreams
          and they require others help
         Some will stay limited
           to what they can do themselves

        Most are content
          with being told what to do
         They do it even though
           they really don't want to

        They choose to do it
          out of their piety
         for the common good
           and for their society

    Whenever I think of you
      my world fades from view
     for nothing can compare
       to the vision of you there

    All too often it seems
      I fall into these daydreams
     inspired by only you
       and all the things you do

    These images in my sight
      are far from black and white,
     but are awash in color
       filling me with joy and wonder

    No background can be seen,
      just a mist of yellow,  pink,  and green
     highlighted by sharp hues
       of red,  purple,  and blue

    The ocean is in the sky
      although I know not why
     and the clouds beneath our feet
       smell oh so heavenly sweet

    It has no beginning or end
      nor any sense of now or then,
     only a vague sense of duty
       to appreciate all of the beauty

    Step right up son,
    don't procrastinate
    your future awaits you
    beyond this gate
    There is no admission, 
    the price is free,
    beyond these doors
    is your chance to be
    and being is your fate
    so don't just stand there,
    hurry or you'll be late

    What's the matter boy,
    don't you want to see
    how good or how bad
    living can be?
    I don't know why
    you hesitate,
    I was once living,
    I say its great,
    and I am sure you'll agree
    once you taste
    its infinite beauty

    There's absolutely nothing 
    you cannot achieve
    once you get settled in
    so long as you believe
    Now don't you go worrying,
    the life you make
    I guarantee will be one
    only you can create
    You'll have all that you need,
    and if you don't like it, 
    you can always leave

    Now hurry up boy, 
    your live awaits
    and you are messing up
    our specific dates
    That's right, right this way
    and please ignore 
    the fact that I have to 
    lock this door
    but you cannot associate
    with us for awhile, 
    only with the other inmates
 

         Oh how we want things
           that is,  until we have them
          We use them and then
            we throw them away

         Oh how we need people
           until their love is ours
          Once the goal is reached
            we let go of the prize

         Oh how we love people
           but our love is selfish
          Unless it makes us feel good
            to them,  we take it away

         Oh how we keep believing
           happier means more or better
          Only our opinions
            can give anything value

      Once the darkness came
        and terrorized the land
       It made the people fear
         what they didn't understand

      They fled into caves
        out of confusion and despair,
       too frightened of the world
         and of the unseen dangers there

      They lived in darkness
        deep within the earth
       Because of all their fears
         they lost all sense of worth

      One man alone believed
        that courage makes its own light
       He argued well relentlessly
         until the others believed he was right

      Then he led them back out
        of their black sanctuary
       to find that the darkness had passed
         and they could once again see

   As the seconds tick
     the tension builds
    within the garrison
      deep inside the ground

   The gun is pointed
     and the trigger readied
    as the men sweat
      awaiting final words

   The men stay calm
     while their souls crumble,
    each one praying
      that he could stop time

   Now the second hand
     is on its final pass,
    the world seems frozen
      as it begins to climb

   A woman screams
     and a baby cries
    as the clock shatters,
      three seconds past midnight

   Only the humble
     can do anything great
    All of the rest
      are limited by pride

   Pride is a cancer
     which continually grows
    It cuts one off
      from what really is

   The honest few
     know that they are weak
    but this knowledge
      will make them strong

   The boastful
     think they are strong
    What they overlook
      others will exploit

   The humble people
     seek only to serve
    This is why
      their service is so well

         Beneath a majestic mountain
           in a far away magic place
          lies the kingdom of Trafania
            which time can never erase

         All of the people are wizards
           who can easily walk on air
          and there is not any limit
            of wonders to be found there

         There is never a shortage
           of water, clothes, or food
          They turn nothing into something
            whenever they are in the mood

         These people never hate
           nor do they ever fight
          They seem to believe
            that everyone is always right

         They have no need of laws
           for telling people what to do
          because everyone is good
            and they are good to others too

         They live outside of time
           so no one ever grows old
          and no one tries to shape
            others in a preset mold

         New people come all the time
           and others will decide to leave
          They come here to find out
            what it is that they really need

         They do not come here
           by a car,  a boat,  or train
          nor can they get here
            by a helicopter or airplane

         Only your imagination
           can bring you to this place
          because it is not in outer,
            but rather in inner space

         My sink continues to drip
         blippity blip, blippity blip
         incessantly keeping time,
         blippity blip, blippity blop,
         I only hope it stops
         before I lose my mind

         Giving up I take a ride
         through the rain outside
         only now the windshield wiper
         goes swipe-swipe, swipe-swipe
         thus worsening my plight
         and making me more hyper

         Then I go into a store
         and find what I'm looking for
         but I get stuck in a long line
         as my nerves grow weak
         at the sound of the beepity-beep
         of the register's electric whine

         Now I have ended my trip
         with a new washer and I apply it
         to that infernal sink
         so I can at last think
         again with peace and quiet
 

        All men are not equal
          within their history's eyes
         Some get famous,  some infamous
           but most will be forgotten

        Judas,  you won't be forgotten,
          not while your mentor lives
         but neither will you be loved
           by those who honor loving

        It does not seem possible
          that there is a worse fate
         than to be despised
           throughout eternity

        Surely He who forgives
          must have forgive you
         for the part you played
           so many years ago

        It is really a shame
          His followers can't do the same
         Even they may have to hate
           but it doesn't have to be you

         I've got less to go
           than I've already gone
          but when I reach the end,
            the sunset becomes the dawn

         I feel like a cat
           chasing after its own tail
          All that can be accomplished
            is knowing that you'll fail

         Life is a circle
           or a two-edged sword,
          what you are leaving
            you are also moving toward

         There is no top or bottom,
           every point is exactly the same
          No movement can escape
            this confining reality frame

         Like a frustrated cat,
           the only solution you can find
          is in understanding the problem
            and then freeing your mind

    Who goes there,  I say I say
       you'd better beware,  it comes your way

    Look out,  look out,  it's almost here
       what it's about is never clear

    Save me,  save me,  please please please
       I beg you,  save me,  I'm on my knees

    Alas,  alas,  it's here,  it's here
       Please God,  help me,  it is so near

    It's dark,  so dark,  and I feel weak
       I am barely able to think or speak

    God,  oh God,  don't forsake me
       Please,  I beg you,  don't let them take me

         Its 7 am, where is that train?
         I'll be late again today
         Why can't, just once,
         everthing go my way?

         Ah, I think I hear it now
         Well its about *uckin' time!
         Nothing like starting the day
         runnin' fifteen minutes behind!

         Well, its not so bad,
         at least I got a seat
         This early in the AM,
         its nice to be off my feet

         (Yawn), I'm so tired
         I really should get more sleep
         Too bad its impossible
        with the schedule I keep

         Oops, that's my stop
         "Excuse me", "Pardon me"
         This is really stupid,
         I should drive into the city

         Just another block to go
         to be out of this freezing cold
         I think I'd move to Florida
         if only I was more bold

         "Hello", "Good morning", "Hello"
         "How are you today?"
         God, I swear
         this gets worse everyday

         I don't know how
         I am staying awake
         This drowsiness
         I can't seem to shake

         That is, until I reach
         the table the saves me
         The table where they keep
         the donuts and coffee
 

      Pressures long since building
        erupt in cataclysmic flames
       leaving life and order wasted
         yet rebuilding just the same

      Fire is not the only thing
        which will change life as it kills
       It is also imitated
         by the periodic deadly chills

      Each clears out the old
        in order to give rise to the new
       Though we may think this heartless,
         it is what we owe our existences to

      Nature is not unique,
        Man does also imitate
       the coldness and the fury
         that destroys to create

     Fixation on our fascinations
       will rule our destinies
      Our resignation to infatuation
        determines what will be

     Congregations of salvation
       take control over our lives
      with recitations of ancient quotations
        deemed to make us wise

     Then education for occupations
       as we enter approved schools
      Intimidation through regulations
        shows us who really rules

     Organizations and administrations
       come to us and introduce themselves
      Dedication to our federation
        is the product that they sell

     Inclinations toward fornication
       soon make themselves quite clear
      Protestations about temptation
        we do not seem to hear

     Elation soon becomes obligation
       when we decide to settle down
      Domestication for multiplication
        becomes the hottest game in town

     Saturation by our situations
       deprives us of any real choice
      Imitation and integration
        steals our minds and voice

     Associations and relations
       together with us are one
      Separation from observation
        simply cannot be done

     There is a sound
       which everyone makes
         yet no one hears

     It comes as a feeling
       that is always felt
         so it goes unnoticed

     This sound is music
       and so are we
         for we make it

     When we hear it
       we learn the tune
         of what we are

     It is a sound
       then again,  maybe not
         it's a sound of being

     I am not the best
       and I'm not the worst
         I am just something in-between

     I am not the first
       nor am I the last
         I am somewhere in the middle

     I am not the strongest
       and I'm not the weakest
         not kindest or the most mean

     I am not the smartest
       nor am I the dumbest
         I am neither big nor little

     I may be obscure
       and not seem distinctive
         yet I'm the only me I've seen

    Here I am yet again
      faced with a problem
     which has always been
       but never has been solved

    How can my voice
      as it tries to teach
     not steal some choice
       from those being taught?

    There are many points of view
      different from what I say
     What we call the true
       is what most of us believe

    As more people agree
      it creates a solid wall
     so no one else can see
       what may lie beyond it

    People will become
      more of a common mind
     but it will be one
       that demands conformity

         Out from the pool
           of miracles we come
          as tiny sparkles of light
            glisten off our wet bodies

         By the enchanted pool
           we make ourselves homes
          due to the abundance of life
            beneath its shimmering surface

         We drink in its nectar
           which not only sustains us
          but also revitalizes us
            for we are what it is

         Within this pool
           lie the unborn young
          waiting for us to come
            into bring them out

         When our time comes
           we return to pool
          and dissolve into it
            helping to keep it full

    I found my soul
      only to find
        you had been there first

    You had stolen it
      and left a note
        which said 'I love you'

    I searched for you
      but instead
        I found myself

    It is in needing you
      that I am,
        and I want to be

       In a run-down tavern
         an embittered man drinks
        to forget his empty life
          and his broken dreams

       Far away a young mother
         comforts her newborn son
        and she cries for him
          tears of comfort and joy

       At a nearby abbey
         a priest says his prayers
        bound by his compassion
          to always try his best

       Beside a quiet river
         children play in the sand
        without any worries
          of what tomorrow might bring

       Before approving crowds
         a politician speaks
        with words designed
          to elicit more applause

       Inside a gray prison
         a man looks out a window
        struggling to hope
          he'll live long enough to be free

       Beneath a shady tree
         two lovers lie in the grass
        too filled with life
          to notice anyone else

       In an abandoned building
         a junkie makes a buy
        of what he needs
          to make it through the day

       Within a nursing home
         an old woman grieves
        not for being old
          but for being locked away

       When we fall asleep
         our minds work in ways
        which lie mostly
          beyond our comprehension

       We break reality's mold
         and wander amongst the pieces
        making and unmaking
          life to suit our whims

       In this kalideoscope
         of ever changing illussions
        there is a part of us
          which will never leave

       We shall never be able
         to awake without sleeping
        though it is possible
          to sleep without waking

       How this state affects us
         we may never really know
        until we find a way
          to understand the unreal 

      Will we ever find
        the causes of the events
          which brought us to this time?

      It always seems to be
        we that are in control
          of what we call our destiny

      But if this were true,
        who can really say
          things went as they wanted them to?

      If we are what we make
        why do we make such misery
          for others and for our own sake?

      While tomorrow awaits,
        there is a chance we will find
          the causes of these strange fates

      My life lies in your shadow
        and what I am I may never see
          because I can't separate you from me

      My eyes burn and my heart cries
        for all of the dreams that will not be
          that I have foolishly chosen to carry

      You may not care for
        and you might even despise
         the interconnectedness of our lives

      My burdeon shall increase
        if this happens to be the case
          for my affliction is too deep to erase

      Morning Star,  shine bright for me
        and help me find my way
       Turn away all of this darkness
         and lead me to the day

      Morning Star,  I have waited
        through all of the night for you
       Waiting for you to come again
         and show me what is true

      Morning Star,  don 't ever fail me
        for without you I am lost
       You are the light which had guided me
         over the oceans I have crossed

     My love is real
       it does exist
         it is solid
           not shadows or mist

     My feelings are true
       they cannot lie
         my heart is bare
           it wears no disguise

     What I feel
       is as it seems
         it is real
           not just dreams

      Mourn for me,  Alicia
        for my soul has died
       It has left me all alone
         without a place to hide

      My spirit has been broken
        and my body has been raped
       Now life has imprisoned me
         and there is no escape

      Even death won't free me
        for it could never erase
       the memory of this life
         and its bitter aftertaste

      I have given up on hope,
        instead I choose to hate
       myself and everyone
         that led me to this fate

        I have a heart full of sunshine
          in a world full of icicles
         Though it is cruel and malign,
           I have a pocketful of miracles

        Though the dreamers dream,
          my dreams become real
         I soak in the sunbeams
           and give them to others to feel

        I radiate endless heat
          to the hearts that grow cold
         and at their very feet
           I give them this gift to hold

        Some will step on it
          and crush it into the ground
         but others will enlist
           to spreading it around

        The old shoe rests
           in the back of a closet
             draped in antiquity

        In it are the memories
           of the many children
              who once called it their own

        It once had life
           to those it served
              because it was part of theirs

        Now its usefulness 
           is at an end,
              it has been forgotten

        The old shoe lives
           but only in the past
              when it was a part of life

        As the summer sun burns on me
          memories and feelings yearn in me
         but then they turn on me
           by what I have learned must be

        These feelings are old,  from another time
          when life was gold and she was mine
         We had time to hold and rainbows to climb
           but life grew cold and it dulled the shine

        Soon the sun again shown and the birds did sing,
          but the wind had blown the flowers of spring
         and though I have grown,  I still today cling
           to the heights I had known on yesterday's wings

    I don't know why
      I keep on believing
        There's a pie in the sky

    Am I just a fool
      for thinking in a cloud
        there must be a jewel

    Am I just hiding
      from life as it is
        by dreaming of gliding

    Do I ignore the tragic
      by think that life
        must really be magic

    Even if this is true
      I cannot see the harm
        in taking this view

     Who can taste
       the bright sunshine
         that shines no place

     Who can smell
       the sound of words
         no one can tell

     Who can hear
       the feelings never felt
         yet they are here

     Who can see
       all that is real
         yet cannot be

     Who can feel
       what everyone has
         yet none can steal

    All things that once were
      are not now nor shall they be
     Every moment arises anew
       and forsakes the past by decree

    This is far from apparent
      for many things seem to be the same
     but beneath their calm surfaces
       they must keep struggling to remain

    As soon as anything rests
      it immediately vanishes from existence
     We must continually recreate ourselves
      or else we shall lose our subsistence

    Nothing can ever grow old
      for it must constantly become new
     Nothing that is is what it was
       and never is that which we knew

    What ties together this string of things
      is that which we call our memories
     We think we are what we were
       and that what has been can be

    We throw ourselves into tomorrow
      and bring our worlds along with us
     always believing that things are the same
       while they are so because of our trust

                Once I was me
                   but now who I am
                      I do not know

                Life brings changes,
                   for better or worse
                      I have changed

                I am confused
                   I know not what is
                      nor what should be

                What I believe
                   I can no longer say,
                      truth seems to hide

                Who I am
                 I know is up to me
                      but I can't decide

       As I lay myself down to sleep
         I wonder if I shall ever awake
        Death's hand is within me
          waiting to grab hold

       All that has come before this
         has led me to this time and place
        to sit nervously awaiting
          my as yet unknown fate

       How many minutes,  how many hours
         how many days,  I do not know
        but my future is narrowing
          soon to come to a close

       I am tempted now to end it all
         and stop the agonizing waiting,
        never knowing when I leave
         if it is to be my last goodbye

       Forever fearful of beginning anything,
         in a sense I already have died
        I feel angry and I feel lucky
          to be living dying a slow death

       I look back upon my past
         and wonder if it can come again
        It is so near and yet so distant
          and almost as if it never was

       What causes the great disparity
         in what was and what we can remember?
        Still it is in our memories
          that we know the disparity exists

       All of us keep mental records
         of our lives as they really were
        Often we confuse this with its twin
          of how we wanted it to be

       When I want to I know the pain
         of how tradgic my life has been
        But where is there any sense
          in remembering that which hurts?

       If I had to live again through it all
         I doubt I would change a thing
        for pleasure made me contented
          but the sorrow made me think
 

        What can you have and not possess
          or give and not have any less
         It always is what it seems
           but is only as real as dreams

        What was but has never been
          is not now though now isn't then
         It has everything you can find
           but is only inside of your mind

        What is not what it is not
          and seen when naught is sought
         To us of this we are blind
           for it aways lies behind

        What can be but not be counted
          be possessed but never surmounted
         It has everything and much more
           yet disappears when reached for

        What is always everywhere
          except one place, it is never there
         It lies forever around
           and by it we are found

        What is the dream that can't come true
          but always does what it cannot do
         It is the goal outside your reach
           that comes to you to teach

        What is part of mine but not me
          is in A but not in B
         It is not between A and Z
           but in a scale is number three

        (All but the first and last
           is tied to another ahead or past
          One has two but the other three
            but two in a row you will never see)

2006 note: the last stanza explains that the first and seventh are unrelated to the others. That leaves 5. "One has two but the other three and two in a row you will never see" seems to indicate that the second, fourth, and sixth stanzas are on the same topic or have the same answer or are tied together somehow, as well as the third and fifth stanzas, also being the same or related.

       Silk and lace
         on maidens faire,
        the oldest chase
          is ended there

       A crimson rose
         beneath their smiles
        trades my woes
          for their guiles

       Joy and pleasure
         of nuptial bliss
        I shall treasure
          as a gentle kiss

       Visions of paradise
         have become real
        when maidens so nice
          lie waiting to feel

       I am,  I say,  I am
         even if I've never been before
        nor shall ever be again,
          I am no matter what for

       I want and I need
         because this was meant to be
        Needing is part of being
          and wanting is part of me

       I am and so I love
         the things that are not me
        for if they were not
          neither could I be

        Motions passing,  no one's asking
          how it all could be
         Days ending,  new ones pending
           flowing eternally

        Onward time,  leaving all behind
          never letting them be known
         Only facts,  leaving no tracks
           except visions once shown

        Empty places,  last embraces
          wanting to stay real
         Everything cries,  its disguise
           breaks with fate's last seal

        "Question not,"
           they say to me
         "Question not 
           and you'll be happy"

        "Question all,"
          I say to them
         "Question all
           or be condemned"
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

   As I look to the open sea
     I wonder what might await me
    if I could force open fate's doors
      and find myself on distant shores

   I fancy I might soon set sail
     away from my earthbound jail
    toward a place where I can be free
      and shun all the chains of duty

   I would find a land of paradise
     free from all malice and vice
    where every action comes from love,
      truly a model for any heaven above

   Soon though,  I must turn away
     and return to the toils of my day
    but I hope someday someone will find
      that such a place lies not just in my mind

       What is or is not and what is meant to be
         is clouded by a veil of uncertainty
        We search for truth but we seem to find
          that beyond ourselves we still are blind

       We laugh and love but remain unsure
         of why and what we are and what it all is for
        We never know what we truly want
          so we blindly go off always seeking more

       Wishes and hopes become our purposes
         but even they are tangent and never stay
        Wonderment and questing are all that is permanent,
          they are the guides which lead us on our way

         Many times in my life
           I have looked to the heavens
          and I have cursed thee
            for causing such misery

         Then there were times
           when I felt truly blessed
          and I thanked thee
            for letting happiness be

         Never in my life
           have I truly known myself
          for in the shadow of thee,
            myself I could not see

         But now I stand tall
           doing as I will without fear
          for I have conquered thee,
            only I can make me

       A tender kiss
         a long goodbye,
        two loving hearts
          care not why

       To be apart
         means despair,
        for them its almost
          too much to bear

       They wear smiles
         as they bid farewell
        but their hearts know
          what words can't tell

       The bond stretches
         but inevitably breaks
        into the sorrow
          that parting makes

        Might I right
          the wrongs I see
         Might I enable
           happiness to be

        Might I give
          and never take
         Might I see
           the beauty I make

        Might I do
          all that I can
         Might I be
           a contented man
 
 
 
 

        Once is me
          yet I am
         every time
           close at hand

        Over and under,
          above is below
         Neither I am,
           neither I know

        Yet and then,
          both are now
         Never was I,
           only how

        Once is me,
          more is less
         falling away
           from the crest

       Known and unknown
         are the only states
        Everything else
          below this rates

       One only is
         when one is aware
        Only known
          by what is there

       Truths unseen
         are only real
        once understood
          by those who feel

       One is all
         that one knows
        and by learning
          one quickly grows
 

       Not all that is
         wishes to be seen
        so many will live
          amongst the shadows

       Some animals
         and some people
        prefer the dark
          over the light

       They may think
         darkness is a shield
        which gives them
          time to grow

       Others feel
         they are unfit
        to be seen
          by the unknown

  So you are older
         but are you any wiser?
   It is easy to change
          but difficult to grow

  There is much to learn
         and so little time
        What you choose to learn
          and things not chosen
    that you will come to believe
      will determine who you are

  Always be selective
         and never judge in haste
        Many good things
     are hidden from view
         and that which is seen
           has many levels of being

  Poisons for some
         is the medicine of others
   At different times
     each thing can be both
    Your best guide in life
      to what is best for you
        will always be yourself
 

       The morning's dampness,
         so cold and so wet,
        sends shivers up my spine
          which come back down in waves
         of dull somber feelings
           of emptiness of soul

       This morning is one
         in which the sun won't shine
        and neither will the sky rain
          yet an eerie gray cloud
         engulfs all with its mists,
           shrouding life with uncertainty

       What is distant is obscure
         and what is near seems unreal,
        lit by a mysterious light
          whose direction is not clear
         which surrounds each thing
           as if it seeks to enter

       But there is one thing
        which permeates everything,
        a quiet awareness of being
          brought out by the strangeness
         of the mood of this day