same old

Are you telling yourself 

It’s all you’ll ever need 

All you ever wanted 

The stuff of your dreams 

Are you lying to yourself 

trying to get through the night 

Then the day comes 

And things just aren’t right 

Are you thinking to yourself 

Where did I go wrong 

It's the same old ending 

To the same old song 

Are you saying to yourself 

I’m tired of this charade 

There’s nothing that  I’ve got 

And a large price I’ve paid 

Are you asking yourself 

How do I get back 

How did I ever 

Get so far off track

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

Quid Pro Quo

Will you ever reach the summit 

With all stretched below 

When after all you’ve faced 

Has become a flickering glow 

After all the difficult tries 

And the whispering echoes 

The dilemmas and the fears 

From things you didn’t know 

When it all tumbles down 

Like a whiteout blizzard's snow 

When there’s no turns left 

Where you didn’t already go 

You thought the end was near 

After the hurricane’s blow 

But your angel didn’t come 

With a clearer path shown 

When you didn’t stay in hell 

But were there to say hello 

And you bartered with Satan 

Another quid pro quo 

You tried to speed real fast 

But could only move in slow 

What is there that’s left? 

More dues that you now owe 

For the life that you have lived 

And the wild oats you sowed 

It's the levy that you pay 

For the final quid pro quo

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

blowing on the dice

luck for the next roll 

your fortune on the table 

life is a craps shoot

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

bittersweet

so close to the dream
the taste of reality
left it bittersweet

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

fit

there's a place in your arms
that I just might fit
let me fill that space

there's a place in your mind
with dreams you can share
let me fill that space

there's a place in your heart
that is not being used
let me fill that space

there's a place in your soul
that longs for the truth
let me fill that space

there's a trail untraveled
a path to your love
let me explore it with you

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

soft and simple

a line in a song I heard sung
music soft and simple
seems like yesterday

yesterday, a moment in time
feet firmly on the ground
a night sky abundant with stars

stars, reflecting eyes and thought
blocking what I didn't see
whispers underneath the moon

moon, now full with frosty glow
music in silence echoes
as I lay alone

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

out of breath

running till I'm out of breath

knowing there is nothing left 

hitting hard foreboding walls

nothing my way ever falls 

love is hanging on this ledge 

didn't have the leading edge 

never did if I recall

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

monsoon

in the desert night 

streaks of electricity 

all hype, no rain falls

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

love me

that you can love me

a half that you have made whole

takes my breath away

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

hike

we hike the canyon 

a strong hand if I need it 

watching out for me

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

hurdles

jumping the hurdles

running as fast as I can 

always one faster

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

scrawled

that's right, I'm packing

I'm strong, not lacking

but our love's cracking 

although I'm small 

big dreams befall 

fantasies are squalled 

it bounces like a ball 

against a wall 

where love was scrawled

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

cowboy up

wow, you look terrific 

I made reservations for eight

it's this quiet little bistro

and the food is really great

you open my door and buckle me in 

making sure the door shuts tight

do you know you have the greenest eyes? 

that's the first thing I surmised 

here, put on my jacket 

are you sure you're warm enough?

I discovered at the start of the evening 

this cowboy can cowboy up!

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

candles in the rain

I lay down candles in the rain 

knowing they won't light 

someday the sun will shine again 

and all the wicks will dry 

then I'll light them one by one 

make a tarmac in the dark 

so you can find your way to me 

on this runway to my heart

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

stardust

blanket spread under evening stars 

enjoying the constellations 

the big dipper pours its luminosity 

drenching with anticipation 

up on Pegasus' back you climb 

handing me up behind you 

together we travel across the sky 

for a most memorable ride 

Gemini watches with jealousy 

Leo gives a mighty roar 

Cassiopeia watches in disbelief 

as we continue our star tour 

Sagittarius shoots his arrow 

missing Aquila's wing 

Lyra strums a song for us 

as we travel on this evening 

heated from extraordinary dreams

passion ends with slumber

a fantasy trip, always like this

filled with lightning and thunder

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

love

love comes around 

every once in a while 

unlocks the door 

with its winning smile 

it takes my breath 

and wounds with its scars 

whispers to my soul 

as it plays with my heart 

the lessons I learn, 

questions still remain 

 each new beginning 

as I try it again

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

reflection

I have just a minute 

as I finish my hair 

spray the partum, 

walk through scent left in air 

I look in the mirror, 

will he like what he sees? 

and I turn my back, 

as the reflection winks

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

wires

a break in communication 

somehow the wires get crossed 

or maybe there are no towers 

for the words to flow across

it all ends so abruptly  

the same way that begins

one doesn't give enough 

the other's attention wans

 

it is the fine art of deception 

cloak and dagger I believe 

I don't need to a sleuth 

to see the intricate weave

please excuse my heart 

for showing that it cared 

giving what you needed 

and always being there 

I loved you more than moments 

we did or did not share 

when the darkness falls 

your shadow disappears

searching, ever searching

through the vast, thick haze

questions never answered

lost inside this maze

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

me and you

it is never really over 

this space between me and you 

the harder you fight to leave 

the tighter I hold to you 

the faithful wounds keep coming 

I forgive what you forget 

one more patch, another fresh start 

another notch on my heart 

how did I overlook this part?

block it out when storm clouds form

this candle in the darkness 

makes it harder to see withdrawal

while you look out the window 

at the sky of azure blue 

the choice you make that's right for you 

is the one I couldn't see through

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

cycle of dreams

my dreams grow in an open field 

mixed with prairie grass and tumbleweed

the heat of the sun beating on them by day 

the mountain winds that spread the seeds 

they mushroom into fantasies 

fuel for the desert fires to feed 

igniting with lightning speed 

monsoons come and wash them away 

extinguish the fires, cool the heat 

one by one they grow again 

nourished anew with the spring rain 

to blow and drift like tumbleweeds

the vicious cycle starts over again

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

before you go

I'm holding on tight to just one thought 

is it long enough to know? 

with a mind that moves too fast 

with a dialogue that is too slow 

when it all becomes crystal clear 

and I find you waiting here 

let me love you again before you turn to go 

I can see you in my nightmares 

and I can feel you in my dreams 

it may not be realistic 

but that's the way it seems 

when I can feel your heat 

and your breath upon my face 

till the moon goes with the sun 

and the dreams are all erased 

when it all becomes crystal clear 

and I find you waiting here 

a question on your lips

my thoughts that are dismissed

just this one more time

let me love you again 

before you turn to go

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

in my eyes

you don't have to try at all 

you've already got my heart 

it didn't take you very long 

it happened right from the start 

if you entrust your love to me 

I will keep it warm 

nourishing it and tenderly 

I'll keep it safe from harm 

what I've found, the love you give 

has taken me by surprise 

and all the feelings you display 

reflect back in my eyes 

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

paint

as I get ready to repaint my love 

I'm covering the cracks with spackle 

I realize just how many are left 

and there may not be enough plaster 

I'm gonna use a vibrant color 

to repaint this shade of blue 

as soon as I figure what shade that is 

I'll cover what's left of you

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

dormant

yesterday, I was in paradise

the sun and sand and  sea 

spending pleasurable moments 

with those important to me 

everything lays dormant 

my spirit calm and free

recharging all of my energy

that's what Mexico does for me 

as I leave it all behind  

everything I put to order 

the past waits with its thumb stuck out 

like a hitchhiker at the border

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

Phoenix

I am the Phoenix 

My plumage brilliant 

And from the ashes I rise 

I have been reborn 

I have been renewed 

I live again 

Constantly regenerating 

Immortal, invincible 

I will not be held back 

Heliopolis, you know me 

My strength 

My power 

Let my tears heal you

I am fire and divinity 

I am not a myth 

I live again

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

where you'll find me

when the moon glows on the sea 

waves whisper on the beach 

all secluded, quiet and free

that's where you'll find me 

when the stars light up the dark 

tide ebbs, showing the sandbars 

if your feelings need a place to park 

there is space here in my heart 

when you need a hand to hold 

want to come in from the cold 

looking for love that's  gold 

let yours and mine unfold

 

look and you'll find me

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

poetry

on this beach 

poetry is written

clever lines and stanzas 

composed with our hearts 

rhyming in every kiss

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

empty garden

in a empty garden
a single flower grows
petals still intact
through the windy blows
don't just cut the flower
but dig  the roots up too
nurture it with soil and love
and it will always bloom

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

refrain

in the darkest hours
just before dawn's light
slumber has deserted
another long lost night

in the light of day
a sun that doesn't reach
keeping my hands busy
thoughts that have been breached

in the mountain shadows
when little of day remains
come shards of recognition
a song without refrain

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

love taken

emotions can deceive you
as they boil to the top
written all over my face
tucked inside your heart

love taken for better
love taken for worse
love taken for granted
love taken . . . . .

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

the beach

always on my mind
hot sun, warm sand, endless sea
tides flow in my mind

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

breathe deep

my scent lingers
after you're gone
telling me this later
on the phone
breathe deep

does a taste remain
when you lick your lips
your mind imagining
fantasy is revisited
breathe deep

do whispers of love
still play in your ear
a concerto rewinding
that only we hear
breathe deep

breathe deep baby,
breathe deep

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

shroud

the shroud slowly falls
your spirit and soul cut loose
a sequacious move

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

promise the moon

come hold me tight
under the stars
promise the moon
whisper of love
deep in the night
a touch that stirs
hearts intertwine
for a short time
promise the moon

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

different sounds

so we sit
cup in hand
while the cd drones
oblivious to each other
our feet tap in time
still that in common

always like this
always we two
different sounds
same heart
different worlds
same art

the table cleared
coffee steams 
the lyrics fade
the only music left...
my fingers 

on the keys

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

horizon

the wind blows cold
rain clouds, heavy on the horizon
warm thoughts of you wane
disappearing rays of sun

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

fireflies

we sit on the porch this evening
a beautiful summer night
lingering after dinner
while watching the fireflies
sitting on the old porch swing
watching the night go by

smell the fresh cut grass
a cooling breeze that blows
look at the moon and stars
we swing and sit real close
while fireflies light the sky

watching the shadows grow

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

float

I dive in the deep end
down deep too long
my skin starts to tingle
water burns my lungs
not a strong swimmer
as I come up and choke
I can't swim back
but I can float
so I float

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

my gift

and my gift to you
unwanted, upon the shelf
ribbons not untied

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

salesman

like a used car salesman

selling crap that doesn't run

you thought I would be easy

thought you'd have some fun

but I wasn't in the market

for what's hidden behind the smile

listening to your bullshit

I could see you coming for miles

save it for the next time

when some girl comes this way

maybe you'll get lucky

on a different day

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

soar

love takes flight
with feathers of gold
soaring to heights
only angels have known
over amber fields of wheat
over gardens of red rose
over seas of darkest green
over ranges peaked with snow
soar on higher and higher
lift and carry me
soar on higher and higher
lift and carry me
love takes flight
with feathers of gold
soaring to heights
only heaven can know

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

prince

you are the prince in the fairytale
come to life in front of me
you see things inside of me
that no one has ever seen

inside these verde valleys
and this mountainous terrain
you travel with your heart and mind
knowingly staking claim

you sing to me your love song
lyrics written as you go
music played with your spirit
the chords played from your soul

keep singing this beautiful melody
keep filling me with your song
while we travel along together
a journey that promises to be long

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

once

when memories weep
and fantasy fades
when all that is past
and drifts away
then my heart can admit
my mind will commit
to the fact that
I once loved you

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

plenty

you say "it doesn't cost a penny"
you say "it is almost free"
but I know that isn't true
I've been there before with you
and it's gonna cost me plenty

you say "just let me kiss you"
you say "just one little hug"
but I know one just won't do
I've been there before with you
and it is gonna cost me plenty

you say "just let me love you"
you say "just give me your heart"
but I know it's not enough
never will be, never was
and it is gonna cost me plenty

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

lay it all down

lay it down

tell it straight 

scale the wall

built in haste 

look inside 

what do you feel? 

is it nothing? 

or is it real? 

answer the questions 

that your heart has 

start a future 

forget the past

moving fast 

or stuck in slow

figure out 

which way to go

lay it down 

tell it straight 

scale the wall 

seal your fate

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

fog

come out of the fog 

wrap you arms around my sun 

dissipating why

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

wander

in between 

heaven's blue sky 

and hell's scorching flames 

I wander

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

if

if I loved you... 

more than the stars 

more than the moon 

more than the monsoons 

would this be enough? 

if I loved you... 

more than my luggage 

more than books more than life 

would this suffice? 

if I loved you... 

more than poetry

more than haiku 

would this do?

how much love does it take? 

how much feeling within?

how much of my heart?

to fill yours

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

perk

coffee's perking
mind is working
always in the past

pour a cup
to wake me up
wondering if it can last

another hour
java empowers
has the die been cast?

drive to work
heart in a cirque
the feeling, vast

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