it seems the balance between wants and needs has much to do with happiness needs are part of daily life water and air necessities things without which human beings would not survive but then comes the gray zone the in between is love a want or a need? is belonging something we must have or just a comfort for a lonely heart Perhaps these are choices one must make and the answers differ among us but on balance when needs overwhelm wants when survival is paramount to desire when dreams are lost to getting by there is little room left for happiness tio stib You might also enjoy: “The Speed of Love”; “Because Once, I Was Love By You”
River Rock
I plucked it from among its friends pushed my fingers into the frigid stream felt among the hard, rounded forms blanketing the bottom and wrapped my hand around one that just felt right baking in the summer sun toes dangling tingling in icy water my mind studied the stone taken from its ancient home how many years how many millennia had passed to wear away its imperfections grind down its edges how much time tossed against other stones before all were worn into oneness how long will it take to wear away my ego how much time grinding against life to smooth out arrogant delusions until I am humbled into oneness smiling I toss the time traveler home splash! tio stib You might also enjoy: “If”; Life Journey Poems & Prose
Because once, I was loved by you
in the darkness left by death as tears flow with sobbing breath bereft and broke a light shines through because once I was loved by you your love our life was Everest a dream fulfilled a noble quest a memory that guides me true Because once I was loved by you now standing on my road alone no idea where I’ll find home but my heart smiles my strength renewed Because once I was loved by you tio stib You might also enjoy: “Our Deepest Fear,” Life Journey Poems & Prose
Inspiration, Andrea and Virginia sing “Hallelujah”
During times of emotional darkness, I am often blessed with a connection to something inspirational. I was recently given such a gift, a video of Andrea Bocelli singing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” with his young daughter, Virginia. The magic of a father and daughter making such glorious music together brought me to tears. I am once again reminded that we humans can create wondrous beauty.hugs! tio stib You might also enjoy: “If,” “The Speed of Love”
The Hummingbird
he visits as I warm my soul with rays of noontime sun I hear him swoosh and flash about the buzz of feathered wings drinking nectar hung for him to fuel his journeying he makes me pause to wonder marveling how does something so small vibrate so joyfully to simply be tio stib, 2022
You might also enjoy: Life in Reverse; “If” by Rudyard Kipling
A Traveller Returned
a voice I knew came back today a traveler returned a trill above the local din the squawking crows the screeching gulls the soulful doves a simple tune a melody both delicate and wildly free a voice I knew came back today a traveler returned a voice that warmed my lonely heart and brought me hints of hope tio stib, 2022 You might also enjoy: The Speed of Love; Slip, Sliding Away
The Speed of Love
given that light travels at 186,000 miles per second
and the moon is 238,900 miles from earth.
it takes less than two seconds
for the man in the moon to smile
and warm your heart
how fast, then, is the speed of love
when you smile at the person beside you
and they smile back
instant
immediate
faster than a speeding bullet
even faster than Superman
Wow!
this means that love is beyond super fast
and my smile is beyond super powerful
I’m putting my love cape on
tio stib
You might also enjoy: Sometimes they Smile; Life Journey Poems & Prose
The Dreamer
she sits across from me
a frozen frame in memory
head turned
streaks of sunshine glowing on her face
her sparkling eyes staring out the window
dreaming of the life we would have together
smiling
the waitress sets our plates before us
and the woman who would be my wife
looks up and thanks her
we eat our meal
greet passersby
enjoy the bliss of oneness
now,
years later
sitting at the same table
gazing at the emptiness across from me
I wonder
did her dreams come true
mine did
tio stib
Sunday Sanctuary
it is quiet
blissfully calm
as I offer my thanks
for the bounty of blessings
that fill my life
a week of good people
good happenings
food on the table
money in the bank
health and wellness
hearts that care
yes
I think
I am truly blessed
and I wonder
does God care if I get out of bed today?
tio stib
You might also enjoy: High on Gratitude; Life Journey Poems & Prose
Homeless
my cane bumped into him on the sidewalk
stopped by stuff that had fallen from his little train
the wagons of belongings he pulled behind
we’d met before
crossing paths as we wandered unseen
unnoticed
through our silent town
and here he was again
the mutterings
the smell of tobacco and ragged clothes
good morning, I said
as he scurried to tidy up
mumbling a response
making room for me to pass
I walked by
wondering
about two solitary men
homeless in our different ways
tio stib
You might also enjoy: Life in Reverse by George Carlin; Life Journey Poems & Prose