the whisper of sunrise

in the whisper of sunrise
the sun through the mesquite
the promise of another day
from the breeze blowing around me

in these early morning moments
when not a murmur will be
distance grows like thick, green moss
on the north side of a tree

I put it all in perspective
with coffee on the patio
filing away the pieces of us
that I once did know

don't worry about our yesterdays
no redemption to be seen
once, what kept me wondering
no longer pesters me

wrapped in warmth around me
all that I sought from you
true and everlasting
gone, is all we knew

in the whisper of the sunrise
it is His mystical way
to open up a window
the door shuts on yesterday

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

New Year

Nurture
Each
Wish

Yesterday
Ends
A New Year dawns
Resplendent

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

home

life is a long road
no one should have
to walk it alone
so take my hand
I'll help you along
help you over the
rough spots
and lead you home

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

trip and fall

always, You are there
in my waking hour and sleep
watching over my every step
when I trip and when I fall
I know that You can see it all
and if I ask, or if I don't
the answer You provide
will see me through

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

cactus flower

in the desert
in the shadows of
the mountains and
the valley verde
after the monsoon rain
a cactus flower blooms

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Rain (choka)

Monsoons reappear
This time the rain is cleansing
It is cool and fresh
Reinventing me
Washing my spirit and soul

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

rain

dark clouds romp across the sky
crashing thunder when they bump
flirting with a chance of rain
always getting my hopes up!

heat builds with intensity
sweat pouring out of every pore
begging for monsoon relief
liquid silver--we need more

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

road block

I wonder am I heading
down a road already blocked
are the barricades up
and all those orange cones
are there danger signs
flashing red lights
is the road paved
or does it just end
no indication
if I need to turn back
so I keep on going
no signs to show me
so I keep on going
towards my dreams

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

night

in the dark I lie, wakeful
staring at the dark ceiling
thinking nothing at all
thinking a thousand thoughts
all at the same time
the clock ticks my night away
while I wait for something
that does not come
insomnia, an ugly word
a word I detest, hate, despise
I can see the dawn coming
as it breaks through the blinds
I hear the birds, chirping their alarm
and as I roll to my side
away from the light,
I close my eyes, again
nothing, nada, zilch
another night, a new day
the same as the one before

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Insomnia

In the darkness of the night
Again I toss and turn
A million thoughts race through my mind
Insomnia plagues my life

To sleep would be a luxury
One I live without
No rest for the wicked
I guess that is my plight

Tired of the problems
Complexities and strife
Longing just to close my eyes
For just one night of rest

So I write to sooth my conscious
Late into the night
Putting thoughts on paper
Helps relax my mind

When all my thoughts are written
Maybe then it will come
How many poems will it take?
To sleep, to dream, to rest

me and you

time flies
grief wains
eventually I learn
to love again

night ends
a new day
sun shines bright
fog dissipates

a perfect card
for a heart that's true
a new love
for me and you

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

lucky charms

I don't have a lucky number
don't have a lucky charm
don't wear any special metals
to keep me safe from harm

I don't carry a four leaf clover
I could never find one
don't say any special prayers
when the new day has begun

if I had a lucky number
that numeral would be two
three is just a crowd
if there's more than me and you

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

you are

you are the sun that rises in the mountains
the moon that glows in my night
every phase and every phrase
of poetry that I write

you are the blue sky during my day
and the million stars in my eve
you are the heart and soul of me
and everything in between

clouds may form and rain may fall
the mountain winds will blow
but your gentleness, your tenderness
a white hot ash that glows

you are the sun that rises in the mountains
the moon that glows in my night
every phase and every phrase
of love that shines on me

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

love just right

glow on moon
shine on stars
blow down wind
from mountains, far

play on song
dance with me
show your love
for all to see

kiss me long
hold me tight
give all you have
ah, love just right

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

cooking

I can't get through cooking
without an injury
I just grated my knuckle
and I'm in misery
you are smoking the brisket
the shrimp is thawing too
perhaps I need to slow down
just to make it through
I could be more careful
to get this to the table
think of what I'm doing
of course I know I'm able
at last it's time for dinner
we bow our heads for grace
no trip to urgent care needed
all are in their place

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

stocking

it's just a Christmas stocking
bright green; with fluff around
the difference is the love I feel
your pet name on the top surrounds

hung by the mantel with all of the rest
displayed for friends and family to see
adding me to your holiday list
our first together with a perfect tree

this promises to be the best Christmas yet
checking off names as complete
stores are crazy as we work
shopping together for gifts we need

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

Merry Christmas

Many are the cards I send
Each friend and relative near and far
Reaching out with a stamped wish
Remembering those that mean the most
You are on my list

Celebrating this special day
Hearth and home all decorated
Resting little, preparing much
Inside my heart, they all play a part
Season of contentment, season of beauty
To each and all that are inside me
Many wishes come your way
Answers resplendent in my mail
Season of hope and love

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

first Christmas (k)

it's my very first holiday
Christmas without you
moments of excitement
moments of feeling blue
thoughts of those together
and love that we did share
once tied with pretty ribbon
now my heart stripped bare

did you think about it?
Christmas morning, laying alone
wondering what I was doing
or the feelings dead and gone
as I unwrapped my presents
with those here close to me
thoughts are wandering once again
to things I did not see

I know I will survive
as I file it all away
substantial things you lost
taken for granted everyday
forgiveness will not come
destruction massive and deep
at least not this first Christmas
that you're not here with me

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Christmas Day

the tree is now bare
gifts unwrapped and put away
'cept the ones inside

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

sometimes

the gift you love most
an unexpected surprise
costs nothing at all!

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

holidays

shopping for the holidays
like bumper cars on this given day
mentally checking off my list
making sure there's nothing missed

the store is crazy on this day
last minute shoppers in a craze
buying gifts for those forgot
I'm still happy that they shop

heading home, I'm running late
dinner will have to be at eight
just remembered I forgot dessert
pudding pops will have to work

when at last we bow or heads
thanking God for daily bread
there's no place that I'd rather be
than a holiday with family

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

reflection

glistening in sun
phosphorous in pale moonlight
glowing is our love

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

love

there is no measure
or depth in which I love you
only that I do

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

good vibrations

like the Beach Boy's song
in the pocket of my jeans
when you text hello

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

test drive

gonna try it out
see just how it feels
slip behind the wheel
run it through the gears
test drive this new love

gonna study “Carfax”
view the history
check it for collisions
learn its mysteries
test drive this new love

gonna kick the tires
take it for a spin
look in the rearview mirror
to see where it has been
test drive this new love

gonna consider miles remaining
if the odometer reads true
see if it’s reliable
or needs work under the hood
test drive this new love

gonna test drive this new love

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

return to sender

I sent a heart on face book
and it was ignored
I left a call on your landline
it was not returned
I sent a text to your cell phone
no answer ever came
I tried a yahoo message
and that went unobserved
I sent my love in a letter
two day business express
the package forwarded back to me
saying that your heart had left

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Peace

a river called Peace
that's flowing through
babbling sound, sparkling blue
ever gently over the rocks
ever careful, how you walk
immerse yourself, don't be afraid
let the Peace flow over you

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

resplendent

resplendent is the love that comes
when two hearts beat at last as one
nothing greater than the tie that binds
nothing greater shall ever you find

kindred spirits that find a path
footsteps tread a long smooth swath
souls intertwined with silver string
everlasting and revering

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

a prayer

hello there God
once again it's me
I have this little prayer
about some things I need
I offer it to You
along with my beliefs
thank you for this love
that You have given me
thank you for my friends
and keeping me from strife
thanks for all the healing
and all these small delights
keep my body strong
keep me on the path
atonement for my sins
that probably go way back
forgive for missing mass
I know I have the need
let my spirit soar
and my soul to find peace
not go to bed with anger
forgive those that have hurt me
please always let your light
reflect and shine from Thee

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

mercy

there is tenderness in mercy
sweetness in grace
hope in forgiveness
from those we forsake

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

this road

this road you travel
clearly marked
signs posted showing the way
no surprises will you encounter
no deep secrets to befuddle
spread your sleeping bag next to my fire
gaze peacefully at the moon overhead
as the angels spread stardust and you sleep
rest securely in the depths of my love

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

because

because the sky is not always blue
because the clouds can block the moon
because I can't always be with you
the deepest love still gets me through

because the dreams come without meaning
because I wasn't always believing
because my mind can leave me reeling
I still know all that I 'm feeling

because the heart eventually mends
because things hide around the bend
because a prayer ends with Amen
my love for you now knows no end

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

grow

blossom color rich
roots planted firmly and deep
love grows in my soul

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

shooting star

a shooting star
a fervent wish
a full moon
such foolishness

still I hope
still I dream
wanting all
love should bring

I feel all
the passion here
a burning fire
when you are near

I know that
my love is true
show me now
that yours is too

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

this time

you are teaching me the lyrics
to the last song I want to sing
I hear the music and romantic melody
tightly you hold me close to your chest
this is how it starts
this is how it plays
this is the only dance
this time love stays

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

sleep

sleep eluded for such a long time
I guess I was tired of what life handed down
never content, never assured
my mind raced with what my future held

now I surrender and dream sweet dreams
the sleep of angels from above
nestled in the warmth of your body
in the protection of your love

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

room to breathe

you move a few things
making room for all my stuff
room for me to breathe

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

love

the old year now fades
with this pen honed by your hands
sonnets from my heart

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

every little thing you do

it's the thought that you put into
every little thing you do
the small considerations
that only come from you
offering up your heart
a piece I know is true
it's the thought that you put into
every little thing you do

hearing what I say
after I forgot what's said
tucking me in lovingly
when I'm early off to bed
your arm lays warm across
my body as I sleep
showing all you feel
and that it's not skin deep

it's the waking up and making up
after one little silly tiff
it's knowing in my heart
it don't get no better than this
it's so many things and more
I know you know it too
baby, it's every little feeling
that I get when I'm with you

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

Paris

the jet sets down at Orly
the tarmac covered in snow
Paris in the winter
the only time to go

we practiced on our French
cafe, croissants, french kissing
liaison amoureuse
things French we're still perfecting

we tour the Louvre and Champs Elysees
Arc de Triophe and Eiffel tower
we drink in everything we can
time grows shorter by the hour

evenings were my favorite time
loving long into the night
nothing removes chill better
than when passion ignites

Paris was a while ago
but the memories remain
of you, of love, of passion
oh Paris? it never changes

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

November 27

this was your day
shared by some others
born at the same time
dog tag images remain
etched in aluminum
happy and sad, synchronous
you left too quickly
no time for goodbye
as I watched our future fade
with the spirit in your eyes

sixteen years have passed
a life together ended
a shadow on my heart

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

canoe

casting refresher
canoe goes into the lake
a beautiful day

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

scrapbook

the lives that we touch
kissed with memories
a reminiscence scrapbook
that only I can see
snapshots in my mind
the color starting to fade
edges furled and yellowed
blurred images portrayed
an album that keeps growing
as I journey on life's path
happiness, sometimes sorrow
when my heart looks back

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

long ago

long ago I walked down an aisle
long ago I held a child
long ago I lived in dreams
long ago it all now seems

long ago I had it all
long ago threw no curve balls
long ago I walked a path
long ago I didn’t look back

long ago when I was young
long ago I climbed the rungs
long ago a safety net
long ago no future threats

long ago went by too fast
long ago I can’t get back
long ago my future clear
long ago has disappeared

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

after the glow

after the glow
at the end of desire
when all is gone
'cept ash from the fire
the wind picks up
and blows them away
gone are the dreams
of our yesterday

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

all that read

these things that you write, vague and deep
fitting no one and yet all that read
inspiration, interpretation
as you write about life and needs

you told me once not to obsess
much inspires but it's never direct
I still read, but with a broader aspect
it is about you, when I reflect

these beautiful words written on a page
drawn from your heart and God above
experiences learned and thoughtfully penned
written emotion, a labor of love

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

between love and you

I did all the 'grunt' work
thinking I didn't mind
I was sure you'd come around
all in good time
I thought that this void
would be too big to fill
I didn't count on love
or on what is His will

silence a killer
as the distance grew long
then he waltzed in
and he's singing your song
the melody is different
but the words all ring true
that is the difference
between love and you

now it all plays
like a crazy country tune
someone's got your girl
and it isn't you
each twist and turn
on the road that you travel
what you once held close
now frays and unravels

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

the search

he said I'm looking for something
don't know what it is
I know I have this vision
and I have an extensive list

she said I know it's out there
let me give you some advice
you can't find what you're looking for
the mistakes will make you wise

he said I've gotta keep searching
I've got to move on from here
I know I haven't found it
on that I'm pretty clear

she said then keep on looking
I hope you find it there
this thing that you are searching for
that you did not find here

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

sorting it out

words used as a wall
hidden meaning to us all
memories I recall
poems that hold me enthralled

as I read some again
from the start to the end
not written for a friend
but for love intended

I've finally sorted out
what we were all about
now I have no doubt
we couldn't have worked it out

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

race

always competitive...looking to win
constantly seeking just the right edge
setting the pace in every race
rivalrous till the very end

I didn't know that the deck was stacked
no even chance on that crooked track
the race was won before that first shot
no way I could win what was already lost

am I bitter?...yeah, you bet
does it hurt?...still a little bit yet
would I have tried if I knew the truth?
all of my decisions I made by you

so I throw in the towel and turn my back
limping away from that racetrack
no trophies bestowed on second place
I congratulate the winner and exit with grace

Poetry by M.J.B. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License