thinking blue
under the last quarter moon
lazy summer afternoons,
beachy vibes and thrills in june
the fire behind your eyes,
like golden ember
earth that binds
it’s the spark i’ll remember,
my muse
two wayfaring souls drawn together
boundless are we
eternal,
Fireproof
Cosmic Love by Florence + The Machine. Lyrics here.
Photo by Unsplash in collaboration with Spencer Backman
remember the first time
you brushed the hair back
from my eyes
it was one of those crazy hot days last July
sand covered our bronzed, bare feet
you leaned into me with kisses so sweet,
and i could barely breathe
we were burning alive
you were the blue,
always changing like the tide
born to love me with all the grace
of a blooming sunrise,
my morning star
we were burning alive
sun and sand,
wind through the palms
we were stuck together
like two birds of a feather
day and night,
i loved you for eternity
my evening song
we were burning alive
Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish. Her new album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, dropped yesterday! On repeat, particularly this song, which inspired this poem. Such a great album ❤
this is where i find myself
struggling to embrace
all that is the human experience
i’d soon forget our race
dying to let go of ego,
vying for some balance
finding shelter incognito
in a kind and gentler space
remember who i am,
remember who i’m not
let go of shallow words and gestures
how tiresome are your arrogant thoughts
to live and breathe a life of love
of this i shall pursue
i have no time for human games
i long for a life, a love that’s true
I Hate Everything About You-Live Acoustic, Three Days Grace. An oldie but goodie…my “I don’t give a fuck meter” is at an all time high. Full song lyrics here.
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
is the answer no?
how can i change your mind if so?
where is the space to feel again,
fly free, dream,
nevermore penned in
like a caged bird whose wings
have been clipped,
a songbird unable to sing
show me a glimmer
where all is bright and shimmers
where my bones no longer rattle
there are no systems to battle
the kindness of a smile,
a twinkle in the eye
would set the world aright
Songbird, Fleetwood Mac. Do you have a favorite Fleetwood Mac song? I actually didn’t like this song previously, but have grown to love it. The 1977 Live version is even more lovely. I thought the song went well with the tenor of this poem. It’s one of those times in life in which I just have to keep pushing through. It’s not how I wish to live, a temporary hold before there can be light.
Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash
hit the snooze at half past six
another insane morning
early to bed by nine o’clock
god, i’m so boring
eyes are bleary, body weary
can’t get outta bed
blast some heavy metal,
but still feel like a ton of lead
slingin’ mud,
wade through the muck
movin’ in slow motion,
you’d think i’d have a rhythm down
instead of this commotion
yet, drowning never felt so brutish
am i at my edge?
or being far too shallow
to which shall i allege?
i gather up my strength
defy this bullet to my head
look to my sweet angels above
toward hope may i be led
More by The Warning. Thanks Fox Reviews Rock for introducing me to this great band, a Mexican-born sister trio, and their new album! I dig girl bands, and metal, too ❤ Will be jamming to more of their music.
Do you ever try singing your poetry? I changed the poem around a bit after singing it so it sounded more metrical or rhythmic. It goes really well with the beat of this song, LOL.
Photo by Aryan Dhiman on Unsplash
listen to the soughing of
the weeping willow tree
bending gently with the wind,
swaying as she pleases
sallow leaves drift elegantly
velvet twigs of green and brown
sweeping always, bending low
to kiss the earthy ground
she stands with pride, fluidity
a brave, bold soul is she
can stand against the strongest wind
yet give pollen to the bees
let us honor her in stillness,
her beauty give us breath
may she dwell beside the mossy pond
her crown to always bloometh
Dance of the North by Joanne Shenandoah, who was of the Oneida Indian Nation. This song was played during a music therapy conference I attended today. It was played in a training using Guided Imagery & Music, a specific type of music therapy. I fell in love with the song, which inspired this poem.
We had a beautiful weeping willow tree in our backyard when I was a kid. I watched it grow until its crown grew to be beautiful and full. It gave me much joy and wonder over the years.
it seems that freedom comes at a price,
a privilege rather than individual right
how i’ve fought for freedom
forever and a day,
free to feel exactly how i say
without restraint, without complaint
from those who judge my particular state
no longer shackled by doubts and fear
i’ve declared this my year
to come home to me
my hopes and dreams shall come to be
never lose myself in another human
or some other dubious, grand illusion
for as surely as trust cost me freedom
i chose a higher path;
i refuse to be beaten
Freedom 90, George Michael. Lyrics here. So much about this video that I love, like how everyone is moving their body, dancing. George Michael was such a great dancer. He’s so into the music. I’m listening to his tunes from the 80s and 90s. Forgotten how good it is. Freedom is precious. I’m grateful everyday to be free and autonomous and hope to never take it for granted.
Photo by Simon Berger on Unsplash
thought i saw you
on the metro this morning
flooded by flashbacks
that came without warning
felt your hand
on the small of my back
as though someone hit replay
on that old, weary soundtrack
for a moment in time
wearing rose colored glasses
now nothing left between us
except dust and ashes
i miss you, it’s true
can’t stand to say it
took a piece of my heart,
love, it’s so overrated
starting to question,
does it even exist,
or is it merely
some ill-gotten, fragmented myth?
i shall raise a glass
to solace in solitude
let me bathe in the sun,
the earth, stars, and moon
for that is where i find
my heart rightly belongs
abounding in grace,
a beat and a song
Not Strong Enough, boygenius. Lyrics here. It’s threatening rain in LA. Just waiting for the downpour any minute. Good morning to write about shitty feelings. I revised this poem so many times. Words have a mind and will of their own.
Photo by Eugene Chystiakov on Unsplash
look to the evening sky due west,
a blazing orangescape
gloriously sketched,
a still frame of fire
and gauzy clouds that
enshrouds Mother Earth
she spins in time,
never skipping a beat
scattered light
across heaven’s deep,
i am bedazzled,
no longer frazzled by
the prattle of the day
crimson and amber
chase my worries away
no longer to doubt
what i am about
finding peace,
rest in ease
all is well within
and with the world
Faith’s Hymn by Beautiful Chorus ❤ This poem has gone through some revisions since initial post.
Photo by João Costa on Unsplash
you and i are
more than a moment,
more than a flicker
in a world getting sicker and sicker
when one wonders if anyone cares
and life seems shitty, unfair
you, darling, are one in a million
in a sky filled with a billion
wicked stars in the sky
perpetually evolving, you and i
reaching high for our zenith,
a connection shared between us
on me you can always rely,
a trustful ally
holding up a light
when no longer you can fight
the hurt you hide inside
fall into me,
can i help you see that you are
more than just a moment,
more than just a flicker
i see in you all that glitters
Inspired by Linkin Park’s One More Light. Full lyrics here. After reading Fox Reviews Rock post on Friendly Fire, another song I love, I spent the day listening to Linkin Park. I’ve loved this band for a long time. It made me think, are we all not looking to be seen in this big, bad world? So, I wish for you the following:
May you feel seen and heard. May you be peaceful and happy. And may you be safe and free.
Photo by Muhammad Ali on Unsplash
there’s a cold, empty space
where once you laid,
nothing left now
‘cept this silent, heavy weight
the scent of you
has all but disappeared,
how i desperately miss
the scratchy feel of your beard
strangely, my dreams
have lost all their color
long past, the handsome boy
i met last summer
and now i’m left,
a love story to rewrite
of him i only dream
in black and white
Before We Disappear, Chris Cornell. What can I say. This is such a great song. Chris Cornell, amazing songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist. So very missed. RIP. Thought the lyrics fit this poem. Full lyrics here.
Photo by Gary Meulemans on Unsplash
beyond the edge
of human emotion
time stands still,
like magic in moments frozen
lost in such luminosity
consumed by an insatiable curiosity
and wanting more
body, mind, soul and spirit
held in most brilliant of light
angels sing over me in quiet delight
whispering a chorus in my ear
you need not fear, all is well
forever and gladly under your spell
i get lost, leave behind this world
when life’s fury lets loose and unfurls
confusion, the illusion that
i’m falling, falling and overwhelmed
I am held up by you,
and in your arms i breathe
knowing i am always seen
for where you are, nothing ever fails
the veil is lifted
breathe into me
for then i am surely free
Music will always be my first love ❤ It is the great unifier when we cannot come together around anything else. I have listened to this song a million and one times. It never grows old and is one of my all-time favorites. And Lindsey Buckingham is hot, LOL.
Photo by Julia Kadel on Unsplash
standing in the middle
things don’t seem so bad
perhaps eases an ounce of sad
do you ever feel like you don’t wanna deal,
stuck at the top of a ferris wheel?
wanna turn off this emotion
wanna mute the commotion
’cause i’m feelin’ kinda sick
need some ben and jerry’s quick
leaning into what you say
can barely hear with all the adversity at play
said you’d be a shoulder to lean on?
must tell you haven’t cried in an eon
sorry! didn’t mean to freak you out
it’s true, i very rarely pout!
well, that was a gas
i’m now done with this rant
wish i could stay, but most certainly can’t
gotta split, run and put out more fires
good heavens, no wonder
i’m nothing but tired!
made it to the end of the day
damn, i really need a holiday!
Holiday by Turnstile off their 2021 album, Glow On. Love this album. Cool bass and guitar, how they double up on the chorus and verses, but in the intro and post-chorus, the bass goes up a 4th. I love the drums, too. My favorite Ben and Jerry’s ice cream is Salted Caramel Brownie. What’s yours???
Photo by Nirmal Rajendharkumar on Unsplash
here am i
a breath and a sigh
away from you
you and i were going places
feeling safe, like homeostasis
then you left without a word
no promises did we make
yet to be erased,
left to wonder, was i replaced?
such a silly thing
to fall so hard for you
ignored the signs, this is what you do
lesson learned, no regrets
i’ll behave, still left to guess
you’ve moved on
lest i forget
get tangled up in love, a foolish roulette
Foo Fighters, “Stranger Things Have Happened”
Photo by Lenstravelier on Unsplash
left on an early weekend morn
despite the pity
and the scorn
the sun shone brightly
belied tears cried nightly
because of you
left a houseful of memories,
my dog, baby grand
no one could stop me,
what I had planned
weeks, months in the dark
alone in the crazy,
had i missed the mark?
running and faded
beyond jaded
part of me died
lucky i survived
free me, i will take my stand
free me, this i demand
to walk away, i knew i’d pay
for my sanity
embraced the gravity
to be free
no way in hell
can you stop me
free me, i will take my stand
free me, this i demand
beginning to end
on this i depend
that i will be free
ain’t no way
can you take it away
“Free Me” by Foo Fighters. This song has been on repeat. I’ve been listening to their earlier stuff as well as their latest album. It takes time to live in each song, learn the lyrics, and feel the vibe. This is one of those songs that so clearly resonates. I’ve worked hard to earn free.
Photo by Gary Meulemans on Unsplash
let the music play on
for therein is real magic
sweet melody,
like the air i breathe
life fades away
angels and devils at play
songs that save my soul
this brokenness indeed made whole
forever young, forever free
give me the beat of a drum
and i’ll soar for eternity
This song by the Foo Fighters, “Rest,” is like a lullaby of sorts. Although I’m not sure of the meaning, I feel that it’s a tribute to Foo Fighters’ beloved drummer, Taylor Hawkins, who died in 2022. I was so saddened by the news of his death believed to have been caused by a drug overdose and an enlarged heart, as I’m a huge Taylor Hawkins fan. There are some great rock n’ roll drummers, including Dave Grohl, but there is something about Hawkins that I loved. The way to my heart will always be through music ♡ Wish that I had more experience drumming!
Feature Photo Taylor Hawkins performing in 2018 CC BY 2.0. Credit: Raph PH
lost inside my head
too soon to forget
you’ve got me aching
helplessly craving
your lips on mine
like sweet, sweet summertime
riding the surf with you
what is it you do
that gets me so high?
can’t deny
the madness between us
you’re my latest weakness
but i don’t mind
cuz you make me feel so, so fine
wade into you every time
Would like to set this to music, a song?
Foo Fighters, “Show Me How,” featuring his daughter, Violet, on vocals. I love the vibe of this song. I get inspired by music to write..
Feature Photo by Unsplash in coordination with Natalia Blauth
hey girl,
what’s that you say
you’re tired of giving your heart away?
far too feckless
honey’d and reckless
on this cold, moonless night
said you’re looking for Mr Right
but took a wrong turn, yeah took to flight
fled the enemy
goddamn the dastardly
fooled you once, twice maybe
you’re a big girl now
shake it off baby
live another day,
don’t let it get away
trust that there’s more, more than this
more than just a lover’s kiss
love letters to myself
take a beat, or take twelve
’cause you are gold
can’t you see?
keep your heart open,
yeah, own your ‘free’
“Take Twelve” by jazz trumpeter, Lee Morgan, performed by the Lee Morgan Quintet
Photo by Seth Doyle on Unsplash
dance, dance
dance at dawn
headphones on
no regrets
dance, dance
in the dark
between the shadows
and the stars
dance, dance
like there’s
no tomorrow
like no one’s watching
to hell with sorrow
dance, dance
you
out of my heart
out of my head
too soon to depart
dance, dance
be free,
be wild
remember your touch,
always your smile
I’m digging this new tune by Rob Grant, Lana Del Rey, and ANNA…Takes my breath away.
I think dance is one of the most beautiful of art forms. I find myself dancing, headphones on and music blaring, with abandon all the time.
Cheers to slow dancing and getting lost between the shadows.
Photo by Olenka Kotyk on Unsplash
by shinedown
I heard this song on the radio yesterday on my commute home from work. Had to look it up. Totally get the lyrics and love the melody. Full lyrics here:
Chorus:
Sometimes I’m in a room where I don’t belong
And the house is on fire and there’s no alarm
And the walls are melting too
How ’bout you?
I’ve never been the favorite, thought I’d seen it all
‘Til I got my invitation to the lunatic ball
And my friends are coming too
How ’bout you?
Don’t worry, it’s all just a symptom of being human…
Official Video:
Feature Photo by Daniel Lincoln on Unsplash
Musings of a Taiwanese American Adoptee 