Author Notes

No attempt at consistent syllable count or meter. Thanks to the talented Angelheart for the great artwork! My face to face writing group had its annual poetry reading. To make a long story shut, most everyone bowed out of the presentation leaving me (Who had already spent many hours on formatting the compilation) and one other writer to do the presentation. It was actually wonderful. Since I was in a wheelchair, he also sat in a chair. Being at the same level made me feel equal and less of a freak in a wheelchair as I do when everyone else speaks from a podium. The hug from the other poet was the icing on the cake of a great night of celebrating poetry.

The Aging Pages
~~~*~~~

In the aging pages of my past
I find much to be thankful for
Not that these days are my last
I plan on living many more

~~~*~~~

Each memory is but a page
Each year a mere chapter
My age will not hold me back
I’ll not allow it to be captor

~~~*~~~

Leafing back through the book
I see my character grow
Once simply an empty vessel
Now much more I know

~~~*~~~

Each event is filed away
But among them no regret
They have taught me lessons
Which I will not forget

~~~*~~~

My cover may be getting worn
But not yet ready for the shelf
Within my sheets there is wisdom
There’s more to this volume of self

~~~*~~~

My last chapters are unfinished
As once were the ones before
Much is left to be written
About this day and many more
 
~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~

Author Notes

Thanks to avmurray for the artwork Previously published in Page and Spine December 2012

Chapter 16
Myself, I Plan to Remain

By dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Myself, I Plan to Remain
 
What gives you the right to
tell me who I should be?
True love would celebrate
 individuality.
 
If you’re seeking someone
perfect you best beware,
such human beings just
don’t exist anywhere.
 
Looking in the mirror
all that you’ll likely see
yourself deluded, a
perfection want-a-be.
 
If I am not what
you are searching for,
release me and feel free
to walk through that open door.
 
I’ll not be offended,
it is not my nature.
I would prefer finding
a lover, more mature.
 
So tired of conflict
filling my memories,
yearn acceptance of my
idiosyncrasies.
 
I don’t desire to change
not just to please you
take me the way I am or
realize we are through
 
A life spent searching for
your view of perfection
will result in a life
of lonely rejection.
 
 ~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~
 
 

Author Notes

artwork by Rose Mary S

Chapter 17
Belief vs Reality

By dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Belief vs Reality
 
In what do you believe,
blooming flowers,
floating butterflies,
the love of another?
 
Or perhaps, you believe
many humans are consumed by evil,
we'll never escape natural disasters,
we’ll always be hated or
at least unaccepted by some others.
 
But no matter your beliefs,
one truth is universal
to all, if you cut yourself
you will bleed.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 
 

Author Notes

Thanks to for tekayepthe artwork I am not sure where this is came grmf, but it insisted in being written down. If you think about it, it is very true

Chapter 18
A Love so Deep

By dejohnsrld (Debbie)

A Love so Deep
 
How could I love you
any more than I do?
How could I love you
any more strong and true?
How could I love you
more than the sea is blue?
Souls now one were two.
You’re my palette’s favorite hue,
I would give my life for you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 
 
 
 

Author Notes

Thanks to Angelheart for the artwork

Chapter 19
Taking a Break

By dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Taking a Break
 
Sometimes it is true, that we are just feeling down and blue. Over-commitment is a good place to start. Forgiving oneself and taking a break, can often feel like a great mistake. When in all actuality, sometimes all we plan cannot be done factually. Fear of letting others down can result in us working until we drown.
Circumstances, not always expected can lead us to seek out being sheltered. Running from the stress we feel, can often allow us the needed time to heal.
Things will happen, disappointing perhaps, but the sky doesn’t fall and in the morning a new sunrise will light us all.
Sometimes to fight insanity, we have to believe in our humanity. With age comes increased acceptance, that life will not be all love and romance. Sometimes, the little things will have to do, to pull us out of blue.
Over the last week, some solace I had to seek. So now behind, I will seek to find a balance, a tolerance, a direction, and an acceptance of my imperfection.

Author Notes

My artwork taken indoors at the botanical gardens today

Chapter 20
Why not Peace?

By dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Why not Peace?
 
Today, the world seems an endless source of violence
Perhaps, if we each took a few minutes of silence
To consider how if we cared and tried to get along
What a loving world we’d have and so very strong
 
Too often religious differences are the cause
A thought that should make us stop and pause
To think just how much damage discrimination
Does both within and between our nations
 
If we spent as much time strengthening society
And making the care of others our priority
As we do in building up our military
We could inhabit a world of solidarity
 
Isn’t there hope for agreement and peace
And our attitudes of distrust and hatred to cease?

#####

Author Notes

Not just between countries, but even within our own. Forty-eight children 16 or younger were shot in Chicago last weekend. Thank you Jessiesansarts for the artwork

Chapter 21
Another Day

By dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Another Day

I hope and I pray to make it through today. With it comes a harder challenge. To cope I’m not sure I can manage. Some days present so many problems, I struggle to try and resolve them. Wishing for a day of complete acceptance, one not riddled with resistance. Feeling the need for constant compliance, knowing others look down on our reliance.

Too many concerns along with sensory overload, leaves me wondering if my head will explode. Admitting that I fear losing my mind, is often treated by others in ways most unkind. I think they have the same thoughts too, just are afraid to reveal them to me and you.

Who are we to judge each other when we are sister and brother? We all have times that are difficult, but kind support could lead to an improved result. We all have both assets and demons. They are parts of being human.

With love and assistance,I'll make it through another day of existence. Be kind to someone in need today. The next time you need help, it will come back ten-fold your way.

Author Notes

Thank you to Levon7 for the artwork

Chapter 22
Spreading My Wings

By dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Spreading My Wings
 
If only I could spread my wings
Soaring upwards extremely high
From such a unique perspective
There’s much to be seen from the sky
 
With an elongated body
And bright wings of pink, orange and blue
Like the notes of a melody
I'd take flight very proud and true
 
Showing my bright and varied hue
I’d grace the world by fluttering
Being an awesome sight for you
Into each day joy I would bring
 
When next you see a butterfly
Observing it will satisfy
~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~

Author Notes

Thanks to Angelheart for the eloquent artwork

Chapter 23
A New Path

By dejohnsrld (Debbie)

A New Path
 
Walking down
the road of life,
potholes are
encountered,
requiring a slight
adjustment in path.
Usually, I go
around them,
but occasionally
I bravely
jump over them,
landing safely
on the other side .
I see small pebbles
and stones,
obstacles expected
and dealt with.
There are boulders,
huge deviations
in the road
requiring major
alterations in life’s path.
There are twists and turns
which take me
in a new direction,
unexpectedly.
These frequently
cause concern,
as going back,
retracing footsteps
an impossibility.
Quite often they
prove beneficial
over time.
Steep hills require
an enormous
amount of energy
to climb, but once
reaching the top,
the downhill slide
seems so easy.
Rain and snow
can make travel
slow and difficult
and progress
takes patience.
Ice may break
my footing
and give me
a new perspective.

Long periods

of doubt
will occur
and I question
whether or not
to go on.
But what else
Is there to do
besides trust
and keep walking?

Author Notes

Thanks to kharrison for the artwork

Chapter 24
Life's Mystery

By dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Life’s Mystery
 
With the ability to see
We would value life’s mystery
As given each day we arise
Opportunity for surprise
 
We may discover in ourselves
Something new as deeper we delve
Or maybe a new occurrence
Will offer our lives a new chance
 
Some days will deliver sadness
A feeling our lives are a mess
But as we feel distress dissolve
We seek passion with new resolve
 
The mystery of life you see
Gives us new opportunity
If we couldn’t evolve and grow
Monotony is all we’d know
 ~~~*~~~

Author Notes

Life can be too predictable. Thanks to Angelheart for her awesome artwork

Chapter 25
Trust Faith

By dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Trust Faith
 
There are times in life we can’t see,
what is right in front of our face.
In those periods we must cling
steadfastly to strength of faith.
 
Trusting that care needed will come
graciously from high above.
If we turn our thoughts to prayer.
we will be graced with God’s love.
 
Through times of pain and discontent,
or when we may be afraid,
with faith these we can surrender
trusting the world God has made.
~~~~~~*~~~~~~

Author Notes

Face/faith proximate rhyme Thanks to Angelheart for the artwork This poem came to me as we traveled in the blinding rain yesterday when it was impossible to see

Chapter 26
True Authentic Me

By dejohnsrld (Debbie)

True Authentic Me
 
In solitude I search
For someone I can’t see
I know that she exists
The true authentic me
 
For years I accepted
I was supposed to be
Someone besides myself
The true authentic me
 
Used to feel rejected
Lacking identity
Now I have discovered
The true authentic me
 
Once another’s puppet
Now I have found I’m free
No longer pretending
The true authentic me
 
No longer in disguise
Finally I am free
To just enjoy being
The true authentic me
~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~

Author Notes

Thank you to scotts_art for the artwork

Chapter 27
tanka (a line of black ants march

By dejohnsrld (Debbie)

a line of black ants march

across the kitchen counter

soldiers

 headed towards the

mess hall
........................

Author Notes

Thanks to keri harrish for the artwork

Chapter 28
senryu (failure to vote)

By dejohnsrld (Debbie)

failure to vote
yet complains about results
‘election dysfunction’
~~~~

Author Notes

Thanks to sonshine for the photo of the Iowa State Capitol Primaries are happening now. The Senate could become Republican. Whether you think that is good or bad, now is time to become involved in the election. This is one time when all are equal senryu--17 syllables or less. Does not have to be 5-7-5

Chapter 29
To Me, Poetry Is

By dejohnsrld (Debbie)

To Me, Poetry Is…
 
Poetry is the language of my heart and soul. By exposing emotions and promoting self-discovery, we reveal acceptance of self and others. Poetry is rooted in authenticity and spirituality. It soothes and nourishes creativity and joy while maintaining health.

It exposes the depths of our wounds, physical, emotional, and those resulting from injuries. It stimulates healing and recovery, and strengthens body and soul, eliminating depression.

Poetry offers a wide variety of styles and forms with which to share feelings and state of being.

Humor, lightening, teasing, taunting, at times poetry is a cathartic release of unhappy feelings.

Poetry is the beauty of flowing lines with proper word choice, anaphora, alliteration, onomatopoeia, rhyme, and meter. It can be the harsh sounds of cacophony.

Poetry is filled with imagery and word art as well as the other feelings.

Poetry’s words are the notes I sing as I find the beauty of life unfolding.
~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~*~~~~

Author Notes

Thank you to Avmurry for the charming artwork

Chapter 30
Tender Touch

By dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Tender Touch   
 
Looking to the future with you
Feeling tenderness of our touch
And dreaming of a love so true
Looking to the future with you
Our souls now one, had once been two
Finding about you, I care so much
Looking to the future with you
I feel tenderness in our touch

&&&&*&&&&*&&&&*&&&&*&&&&

Author Notes

Thanks to Angelheart for the awesome artwork

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