Positive Influences

I don’t take for granted
my own happiness
or the happiness of others
which can like tides
flow into each other

Consumed

those casting
the brightest light
burn most fiercely
but at what cost?

Follow the Red Admiral

A butterfly alights
on a piece of
broken crockery

One painted daisy
in my garden
among many others

Unperturbed, it drifts
serenely to another

flying easily
from life’s
disappointments
to
joy.

Positivity

A smile endures all day long —
more potent than sunshine, rhyme, or song.

Spreading a sprinkling of cheer today
dulls the bitter, gray yesterdays.

Easily enticed is tomorrow golden
to be your everlasting guest
when joy’s beholden.

Birdsong

Sweet mute bird.
The cold season
Stays your tongue
And dampens
The fluttering
In your chest.
Yet you greet each day
With anticipation —
Awaiting
That first performance.