“Memories of past.
Heartaches of old.
Courage of brass.
Lessons of gold.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“If I could have one friend,
just one in all the world,
I know that I would not seek out
a boy or pretty girl.
The friend I’d dare to choose
to stand by me each day
would be a dragon fierce enough
to scare the world away.”
Source: Slaying Dragons: Quotes, Poetry, & a Few Short Stories for Every Day of the Year
“I found a room, both quiet and slow,
a room where the walls are thick.
Where pixie dust is kept in jars,
and paper rockets soar to Mars,
and battles leave no lasting scars
as clocks forget to tick.
I guard this room, both small and bare,
this room in which stories live.
Where Peter Pan and Alice play,
and Sinbad sails at dawn of day,
and wolves cry 'boy' to get their way
when ogres won’t forgive.
With you I’ll share my hiding place,
this room under cloak and spell.
We’ll snuggle up inside a nook,
and read a venturous story book,
that makes us question in a look
what nonsense fairies tell.
In fictive plots and fabled ends,
Our happy-e’er-afters dwell!”
Source: A Heart Made of Tissue Paper
“My favorite words in the world are these:
“what” and “if” in conjunction.
They question curiosities
in simple form and function.
“What” is a query of broadest scope.
“If" is wonder that fuels all hope.
Together they lasso the mind like rope, and spur the wildest deductions!”
Source: Slaying Dragons: Quotes, Poetry, & a Few Short Stories for Every Day of the Year
“Death lurks in the shadows, just out of view.
Now and then I see his reaching hand, uncertain of the blurry image that passes before my eyes, but conscious of the crippling influence of his touch.
Some say Death rears an ugly head, so hideous a view the beholder can scarcely gasp their last breath. Others call him beautiful, a sweet relief to look upon. But these are rumors babbled by the unknowing. For Death is like the gorgon, Medusa, who when perceived, turns the body to stone.
Those who know Death take the knowledge of his shadowed face with them to wherever it is he leads our dearly departed by the hand. All who are left behind must wait their turn to glance into the eyes of the one who will close our mouths forever.”
Source: Slaying Dragons: Quotes, Poetry, & a Few Short Stories for Every Day of the Year
“A poet is simply an artist whose medium is human emotions. A poet chisels away at our own sensibilities, shaping our vision while molding our hearts. A poet wraps words around our own feelings and presents them as fresh gifts to humanity.”
Source: Making Wishes: Quotes, Thoughts, & a Little Poetry for Every Day of the Year
“Rewards live at the far edge of honest sweat, heavy toil, and dogged determination.”
Source: A Heart Made of Tissue Paper
“The sweetest melody that plays
on starry nights and wintry days,
most soothing to my listening ears
and calming to beleaguering fears,
I call a symphony on air―
the song of sweet, still silence rare.”
Source: Making Wishes: Quotes, Thoughts, & a Little Poetry for Every Day of the Year
“Poetry is the wailing of a broken heart―the etched sorrows of despairing souls. These artful words are an exclamation in rare colors expressed noiselessly on parchment.
Poetry is the unheard cry of a flower, wilting. It is a humble, lucent tear shed with meaning. It is the lovely portrayal of ugliness and the bitter edge of sweet.
Poetry speaks to the spirit by piercing understanding. It interprets all senseless truths―beauty, love, emotion―into sensible scrawl.
Poetry is vague affirmation and bewildering clarification. Like the most poignant of emotions, we understand the essence but cannot adequately do it verbal justice, crippled by inherently weak tongues.
A spiritual soothsayer, poetry is the closest thing to expression of feelings unutterable.”
Source: Making Wishes: Quotes, Thoughts, & a Little Poetry for Every Day of the Year
“How does a tiny heart harbor so many clashing sentiments?
One moment it is devoted. The next, purely disdaining. Weeping at tremendous heartache and then laughing, lighthearted, through the same tears.
How can a heart rage so fierce as to boil blood while it turns to ice?
How is this done?
To love, hate, esteem, deride, rejoice, deplore, favor, resent—
all of these and more swirling inside.
This sensitive heart, so full and resilient, buoys up to the point of bursting and then deflates on a dime. It is a slave to whims and whispers.
How is it that the human heart beats so wild and untamed?”
Source: A Heart Made of Tissue Paper
“Such a nasty bruise,” he says, staring straight into my eyes. I am stunned he can see it. Delicate to the touch and tender on every side, the bruise is deeper than days. My hand automatically moves to my chest.
Science taught me with valid assurance that my heart was fixed in my rib cage, but life has since shown me otherwise. My heart in fact dangles from a tangle of strings. The ends are grasped tight by numerous people who yank and release, having caused many painful bruises over time. I cry because they are invisible to most.
“Such a nasty bruise,” he repeats, tugging on my poor heart.
His kind eyes fall away from mine as I feel a squeeze on my arm. He twists it enough to show me a small, round patch of purple surrounded by a sickly yellowish corona.
“Oh. My elbow.” I let the air exhale from my lungs. Another bruise forms where my heart has hit the floor. It is jerked up again.
“Can I do anything for you?” I see in his eyes the mirror image of a finger—his finger—wrapped in one of the dangling strings. He tugs and I feel it.
“No,” I reply to his question. But it is a lie. There is something he could do, along with all who grasp a portion of the web entangling my heart. I wish they would mercifully let go.”
Source: Slaying Dragons: Quotes, Poetry, & a Few Short Stories for Every Day of the Year
“I wish I were a tree.
Tall. Strong. Abiding.
Rooted in the spot I stand, impervious to lures that drag the transient here and there. Possessing neither a negligent ear nor a traitorous tongue that would only soak in and breath out rabid gossip. Able to endure fickle shifts in the wind and not bend. Lazing under the fierce sun, weariless, suffering no sweat or burn.
Alive, sipping water, quietly providing.
How I wish I were a tree.”
Source: A Heart Made of Tissue Paper
“How much kindness should I show?
Enough to set all hearts aglow.
Just how patient must I be?
Enough to calm the stormy sea.
How much love doth God require?
Enough to lift the heavens higher.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“How do I know I have lived?
How can I be certain my days were not squandered?
What criteria, which principles qualify life as lived?
Certainly, I have endured trials and troubles, and I learned from life’s lessons. I grew wise as well as empathetic. But is edification and its accompanying traits the ultimate aim for living?
I have traveled. Oh, I have seen marvelous wonders in this world. Skies that were artic blue, emerald green, soft lilac, and rosy red. Mountains fixed like monuments to the gods. Waters as clear as crystal, as blue as larimar, deeper than a leviathan’s lair, and as vast as the night’s sky. I have witnessed pyramids and castles, colosseums, great walls, and temples. Is this living? To travel, to see, to awe at the world’s aesthetic wonders?
I have experienced great joys in my days: laughter, kindness, fun, love, thrills, successes. I have suffered a great many sorrows: sickness, loss, pain, cruelty, vengeance, disparagement. I have valued the good and abhorred the bad. Is this the ultimate feat of living?
I have been actively doing: from sailing to flying, acting to singing, hiking to biking. I have dived, danced, drummed, battled, built, raced, and used my incredible body to perform every activity I desired. I gained strength and endurance in the process. Is this a sure sign of living?
I have been part of a family and raised my own. I have formed lasting, loyal friendships that have passed the test of time. I have felt what it means to sacrifice for loved ones, shared in their joys and sorrows, prayed for tender mercies and miracles in their lives. I have loved and been loved in return. Is it connection to family and friends, the relationships developed between kindred, is this what it means to truly live?
How do I know I have lived?
As my days near an end, how can I be certain my life was worthwhile and not wasted? Did I accomplish what life mandates of those who truly live?
What qualifies life as lived?”
Source: A Heart Made of Tissue Paper
“You live,
You grow,
You learn a lot
And think you know it all.
The sun,
So big,
So proudly hot,
It too will one day fall.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“Smile.
Steel it.
Keep steeling it.
Laugh.
Trill it.
Keep trilling it.
Love.
Feel it.
Keep feeling it.”
Source: Slaying Dragons: Quotes, Poetry, & a Few Short Stories for Every Day of the Year
“Where does our laughter travel to?
Does it search out monkeys in the zoo?
Or settle on the heart like dew?
Or cling to lip-glossed smiles on me and you?
Does it hang around throughout the day?
Or spread its wings and fly away?
Or gather-in like puffy clouds of gray?
Perhaps it hooks a rainbow’s end
And melts to make the colors blend.
Or paints a happy face upon a friend.
Does it turn to stardust when it’s late?
Or in a windstorm, circulate?
Or does it simply fade and dissipate?
What is our laughter’s merrymaking fate?”
Source: A Heart Made of Tissue Paper
“There are times I wish anxiety served no good purpose. That it could be surgically removed and discarded like an infected gallbladder, one that has tormented a body with constant bouts of pain. The agony is similar—so strenuously endured. What scalpel exists to carve out anxiety from both heart and mind? What prescription can subdue the inflammation? Is there a cure? Or is it somehow essential? A vital part of life that if lacking would cause us to eventually wither away. I see strength gained from it, lessons learned from it, and compassion sprout in its soil. But is there no other way? There are times I wish anxiety served no good purpose.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“My mind is a box,
dark and lonely, enclosed.
It is a place I cannot escape.
My mind is a box,
bright and busy, exposed.
It is a place I can cultivate.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“A finger beckons.
My choice is to turn away.
It is a mistake.”
Source: Making Wishes: Quotes, Thoughts, & a Little Poetry for Every Day of the Year
“I stumble and fall.
I weep and struggle to rise.
My mom feels it all.”
Source: Making Wishes: Quotes, Thoughts, & a Little Poetry for Every Day of the Year
“If I were to sit on the ocean floor and look toward the sky,
I might see a whale or electric eel or octopus pass by.
And if I decided to jump straight up and reach with open arms,
I might feel the pleasure of ocean flight propel me ’mid their swarms.
But if I were seated upon the shore and looking toward the stars,
I might see a comet or falling star near Mercury or Mars.
Then if I decided to jump straight up and reach with open hands,
I might feel despair when my feet refused to leave the shoreline sand.
And so I return to the ocean depths where swimming creatures fly,
For there I can soar with the whales and fish that daily touch the sky.”
Source: Slaying Dragons: Quotes, Poetry, & a Few Short Stories for Every Day of the Year
“A whiff of fresh mint
that tastes like strawberry pie.
Your kisses tempt me.”
Source: Making Wishes: Quotes, Thoughts, & a Little Poetry for Every Day of the Year
“Sometimes poets expect me to think far deeper than I'm willing to dig.”
“I sat in a box
With walls on each side.
Not too tall.
Not too wide.
To think.
To ponder.
To pray.
To hide.
I sat in a box and cried.”
Source: Slaying Dragons: Quotes, Poetry, & a Few Short Stories for Every Day of the Year
“My Floating Sea"
"Pastel colors reflect in my opening eyes and draw my gaze to a horizon where the waters both begin and end. This early in the day I can easily stare without blinking. The pale sea appears calm, but it is stormy just as often. I awe at the grandeur, how it expands beyond my sight to immeasurable depths. In every direction that I twist my neck, a beauteous blue is there to console me.
Flowing, floating ribbons of mist form on these pale waters. In harmony they pirouette, creating a stretch of attractive, soft swirls. Swoosh! The wind, its strength in eddies and twisters, smears the art of dancing clouds, and the white disperses like startled fairies fleeing into the forest. Suddenly all is brilliant blue.
The waters calm and clear. It warms me. Pleases me. Forces my eyes to close at such vast radiance. My day is spent surrounded by this ethereal sea, but soon enough the light in its belly subsides. Rich colors draw my gaze to the opposite horizon where the waters both begin and end. I watch the colors bleed and deepen. They fade into black.
Yawning, I cast my eyes at tiny gleams of life that drift within the darkened waters. I extend my reach as if I could will my arm to stretch the expanse between me and eons. How I would love to brush a finger over a ray of living light, but I know I cannot.
Distance deceives me.
These little breathing lights floating in blackness would truly reduce me to the tiniest size, like a mountain stands majestic over a single wild flower. I am overwhelmed by it all and stare up, in love with the floating sea above my head.”
Source: Making Wishes: Quotes, Thoughts, & a Little Poetry for Every Day of the Year
“Teach me to sing and recite,
To whistle and jingle and strum.
Teach me to color and paint,
To sculpt and weave and create.
Teach me to sway and dance,
To tap and leap and twirl.
Teach me to laugh and giggle,
To tickle and play and pretend.
Teach me that life is beautiful.”
Source: Making Wishes: Quotes, Thoughts, & a Little Poetry for Every Day of the Year
“The crazy thing about poetry is how its simplicity makes it complicated.”
Source: Slaying Dragons: Quotes, Poetry, & a Few Short Stories for Every Day of the Year
“The Jealous Sun
The sunlight whispers in my ear, his breath a warm, sultry tease. I shrink and duck beneath a tree. My eyes squint to scan the horizon for a glimpse of the wind, but there are no ashen ribbons or golden waves in sight. He is missing.
Trickling, tinkling notes reflect loudly off a chandelier of glimmering droplets. The rain sings to me, and I shield my eyes, admiring the song. Far off in my western view I expect to see snow, but the sun grows hot with jealousy, knowing this. He refuses my snowman a place to set.
My sight drops to search for the man in the moon. Normally he rises dripping wet from out of the lake, often pale and naked, supple and soft to my caressing gaze. On rare occasions he dons a pumpkin robe as luminous as fire. Today he is draped in silks of the saddest blue. My heart weeps as he steals up and away.
An army of stars in shining armor come to my aid, and they force the sun into the ground—a temporary grave. I am fed with a billion bubbles of laughter until I feel I will burst. But the stars will not stop giving, and I will not stop taking.
A kiss brands my cheek, and I turn abruptly to find my snowman. He landed safely in the dark. We hide from the man in the moon behind a curtain of flurries to dance on polished rainbows and feast on stars until I hear a fire-red growl. The sun claws its way out of the soil, and everyone scatters.”
Source: Making Wishes: Quotes, Thoughts, & a Little Poetry for Every Day of the Year
“A thousand times over with you,
I yearned to linger in a perfect moment
and stop the passing of time.
A thousand times over with you,
I caught your tender smile and tucked it
carefully away in my heart for safekeeping.
A thousand times over with you,
I took in your sunny gaze and
hoarded its light for the wintry season.
A thousand times over with you,
I heard your laughter and sat silent
as it vibrated like music in my soul.
A thousand times over with you,
I saw your eyes twinkle like stars,
and I made a wish for forever.
A thousand times over with you,
I noted wisdom in your years,
and I filed away your thoughtful words.
A thousand times over with you,
I felt the warmth of your hand in mine
and squeezed tight, reluctant to let go.
A thousand times over with you,
I pondered how quickly mortality ushers us
from sunrise to sunset, and I dreaded the night.
A thousand times over with you,
I embraced the promise of immortality,
dreaming of a day when perfect moments
linger pleasantly on and on and on
a thousand times over with you.”
Source: A Heart Made of Tissue Paper
“A lonely face aglow on high.
You mean the moon.
A flower, red, has caught his eye.
A rose in bloom.
He cannot touch her, though he tries.
In darkness glints the tears he cries.
I see mere stars; you boldly lie.
Nay, poetry to draw your sigh.
I am immune.”
Source: A Heart Made of Tissue Paper
“My father was not always there,
yet he kept eagerly aware
of my rehearsals and my plays,
of struggles and my winning days.
My father often could not stay
to hear me sing or watch me play,
but it was his hard-working hands
that paid my dues for sports and band.
My father was not always near,
so he would call to lift and cheer.
He listened while I spoke my mind.
He gave advice both wise and kind.
And on those days when work was thru,
my father rushed straight home to view
my soccer game or concert show.
I treasured those days most, you know.”
Source: Hope Evermore: Quotes, Verse, & Spiritual Inspiration for Every Day of the Year
“Dear Father in Heaven,
I thank thee this day
for blessings and mercies
thou sendest my way.
I thank thee for comfort
‘mid thunderous storms.
I cling to thy good word
when life feels forlorn.
I ask for enough strength
to bear life’s assaults.
I pray thou wilt forgive
my weakness and faults.
Dear Father in Heaven,
be mindful of all.
Please teach us to follow
thy counsel and call.
And when life has taught us
to love and to give,
I pray, Heavenly Father,
with thee we might live.”
Source: Hope Evermore: Quotes, Verse, & Spiritual Inspiration for Every Day of the Year
“For the time, the love, and the sacrifice,
For the laughs, the tears, and the sound advice,
For the faith, the prayers, and for being nice,
I thank God that He made you my mother.”
Source: Hope Evermore: Quotes, Verse, & Spiritual Inspiration for Every Day of the Year
“I’ve found that the best way to live one’s life
Is above the fog of negative thought,
With gossiping lips outside of earshot,
Keeping harsh criticism far less rife.
I’ve found that the best way to avoid strife
Is by sharing with others who have not,
Seeing the good, speaking kindness a lot,
Burying hatchets as well as sharp knives.
Every compassionate deed we have sown
Lifts a heavy burden from a brother.
Each positive thought and comment we own
Extends joy and love to one another.
Life was not meant to be traveled alone.
It is where we learn we need each other.”
Source: A Heart Made of Tissue Paper
“The ultimate feast! Turkey, dressing, pies, memories.
Laughter carries over squabbles and fleeting tears.
Game time, go! Heightened adrenaline; increased appetites.
Oh, the parade! Marching bands, floats and giant balloons.
Stuff the turkey, stuff your tummies! Eat up, eat more!
Thanksgiving joys shared with beloved family and friends.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“Oh, the wondrous places through which I wander:
woodlands, meadows, and green hillsides yonder.
I hike over mossy, meandering paths.
Dead branches serve nicely as walking staffs.
The sunset paints scenery crimson and gold.
Oh, wondrous nature dyed in colors bold.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“Have you ever been too old, too young, too big, too small, too smart, too dumb?
Have you ever been too fat, too thin, too shy, too loud, too slow to win?
Have you ever been too scared to try, too small to play, too young to die?
Have you ever been too weak to fight, too little yet, or not quite right?
Have you ever been too dark, too light, too black, too brown, too red, too white?
Have you ever been put off ’til last, the odd man out, the jerk they sassed?
Have you ever been the one black sheep, the naughty child, the nerdy geek?
Have you ever been the butt of jokes, the timid soul, the oddest folk?
Have you ever been left out of fun, forgotten when the day is done?
Have you ever been afraid to lose? Afraid to try? Afraid to choose?
Have you ever been too rich, too poor, too venturesome, or just a bore?
Have you ever had no clue at all? Nowhere to go? No one to call?
Have you ever been without a friend? Have you ever wished the day would end?
Have you ever had the biggest nose, the longest arms, the funny toes?
Have you ever had the flattest chest? Have you ever had the biggest breasts?
Have you ever prayed your luck would change? Have you ever felt your life was strange?
Have you ever wished for something more, or something less than what you were?
If you have ever felt this way, you're one of us I’m here to say.
We've all been there a time or two because we're human, me and you.
We've all felt different in some way because we are, and that’s okay.
We've all been hurt; we've all been scarred. That's life. And frankly, life is hard.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“An honest man won’t stoop to swindle,
thieve, or tell a lie.
Despite his need, despite the greed,
an honest man would rather die.
An honest man will seek out better,
higher roads to take.
Integrity and loyalty,
an honest man will ne’er forsake.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“Silence is my defense.
The protector whom I trust.
A sturdy shield,
A loyal safe-keeper,
A sentinel, impassable.
Silence is my refuge.
The shelter in which I hide.
A peaceful home,
A safe sanctuary,
A fortress, impenetrable.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“It’s okay to not be okay every hour of every day.
It’s alright to not be right every time you have a fight.
It’s just fine to not be fine every time you’re asked to shine.
It’s all good to not be good at everything you wish you could.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“I watched as he ignored the world
and focused on his hands.
He creased a simple paper plane
and dreamt of other lands.
I watched him reach to throw that plane
into the open sky.
A passing breeze upheld its wings
and made the paper fly.
I watched a pleasant smile control
his lips throughout the flight,
until the little paper plane
had floated out of sight.
I hoped to see him chase the plane
into the light of day.
Instead, he creased another one
and threw it too away.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“Father, oh Father, teach me to smile.
Grin in the mirror with me awhile.
Father, oh Father, teach me to jest.
Indulge my silly giggle requests.
Father, oh Father, teach me to say
thank you, excuse me, have a nice day.
Father, oh Father, teach me to learn.
Pass along wisdom. Foster concern.
Father, oh Father, teach me to serve.
Care for our neighbors while I observe.
Father, oh Father, teach me to love,
without exception like God above.
Father, oh Father, teach me to pray,
kneeling beside you at close of day.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“The summer sun welcomes me out
to sandy beaches with palm trees.
I am lulled by caressing rays
as warm as heavy, denim quilts.
The heat melts away distresses
from my muscles, from my thinking.
Entranced and contented, I bask
in the careless arms of sunshine.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“I love you, Mom.
___I love you more.
I love you to the moon!
___I love you to my core.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“A father’s success does not depend upon his ability to work and provide, to guard and protect, or to lecture and discipline.
A father’s success does not depend upon his ability to guide and govern, to instruct and demonstrate, or to remedy and repair.
A father’s success does not depend upon his ability to understand and relate, to adapt and change, or to entertain and play.
A father’s success does, however, greatly depend upon his ability to love and be loved.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“Battles of the hardest kind
Are never fought by hand.
They rage and fume inside the mind,
And slay the inner man.
Weapons that destroy a foe
Elicit fear and pain.
More violent is internal war
That ravages the brain.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“My hands.
Strong and callous.
They are industrious.
Grasping. Digging. Hauling. Shaping.
My tools.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“The handiest tools I ever gained
for mending the worst of days
were fashioned by my loving pa
through his praying, faithful ways.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
“Things I love about spring are these:
Blooming flowers on fruit-bearing trees.
Fire-red tulips—their first reveal—
Followed by sun-yellow daffodils.
Trees acquiring new coats of green.
Natural waterfalls glistening.
The chirps and melodies of birds.
Throaty ribbits of frogs overheard.
A passing whiff of mint to smell,
Oregano and basil as well.
Colorful butterflies with wings.
Fuzzy, industrious bees that sting.
Sunlight waning late in the day.
Warm breezes causing willows to sway.
Most of all, a sense of things new,
Including budding feelings for you.”
Source: Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year