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Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Persecution

Persecution

I throw myself
into the depths
of mankind,
bowing on
clipped wings

No longer will
I resist my fate
while time heals
my empty dreams

The taskmaster's
demands and
vent-monger's shouts
will be ignored and
freedom will reign my soul

Lynn West
2009

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

The Soldier's Mistress

The Soldier's Mistress

You've taken risks
all your life, always
living on the edge
but for me you take
no chances, for me
you make no pledge

Your adrenalin ever
flowing - each moment
an adventurous one
your travel never ceasing
your day never done

How will you more than
"love" me?
How can we make a life?
When commitment is your
enemy and combat
is your "wife"?

What you do is honorable,
with that I must agree,
but I know that I want
more than you just
"looking" at me

How will I ever tell you?
When will I give up
this fight?

For it is one I can
never win, be it
wrong or right...

Lynn West
2009

Regret

Regret

The distance between us
is vast, as though you
are a million miles
away, yet you stand
in the next room

In my mind, I search
for answers and the ones
I find only add to my
gloom

Your lovely face
silhouetted
in the dim light
show streaks of your
silent tears

I wonder now what
I've been thinking,
not caring enough,
all these years

Can I turn back the
clock to then and
make amends to you?

Or will you really
walk away and start
your life anew?

I feel regret deep
in my heart as I walk
toward you, wondering
if you'll wait

But then I see the cab
drive up and realize
"I woke up" years
too late...

Lynn West
2009

What if???

This is not a poem, in the sense of the word
but it is something to address to the world


What if?

What is the one thing YOU
can do today to make the
world around you
a better place?

Think about this
before you answer

Try not to think of
something "big picture"
but rather something
small, or rather a series
of small acts that when
looked at overall, makes
a difference...

What if
today you recycled
those old newspapers?

What if
today you spoke to
a stranger with kindness
in your voice?

What if
today you shut off that
light, turned off that tv
when you weren't using it?

What if
today you bought a
cup of coffee for the person
behind you in line?

What if
today you forgave someone?

What if
today you saved one bottle
of water?

What if
today you made a difference?

Lynn West
2009

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Agony

Agony

The mind takes a wrong turn
and before you know it,
paranoia sets in

The beast is mocking
and the squall is upon you

The sea is never calm;
the mountains cannot
be climbed

The journey seems endless,
no land in sight

The task unmanageable
as you fight off
the darkness

Ahhhh, race on, horse
for you must outrun
the negatives
in my life

Lynn West
(c) 2009

My Best Friend

My Best Friend

A better man
I have not yet known
than the one who
stands before me

With a spring in his step,
a smile in his eyes
a man of honor, courage
and a quiet dignity

How lucky am I that fate
stepped in and brought
this man to me, my light
in a tunnel of darkness,
my best friend for eternity

Lynn West
(c) 2009

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Passion Rising

Passion Rising

Passion rises as the tide
the moon is full and bright
my lover waits to come to me
in dreams this very night...

Oh come my lover, touch me "now"
with more than whispered thoughts
for my body aches to the very soul
and time stands still no more

In words yet unspoken
I send my thoughts across the sea
to wake you from your slumber
and bring you once more to me

Lynn West
(c) 2009

Patience

Patience

Be still heart
learn to wait
to follow...

Slow down mind,
take time to inhale
and glory in the
scent of her love...

Restless body
find solace
in the knowledge
of what will be...

Lynn West
(c) 2008

Our Mary Lou


Our Mary Lou

Her smile was always warm and true
her outlook always bright
yes, that was her, our Mary Lou
our star, our heaven’s light

She made us feel so loved each day
her kind heart touched us all
and even though she wanted to stay
she had to answer God’s call

She would have fed the world it seemed
one big meal at a time
and you know our sweet Mary Lou
would give you her last dime

So don’t say goodbye today
just smile as you walk by
for she is with us in every way
looking down from that mountain high


(c) 2005
Lynn West

for my Mom

Our Inner Child

Our Inner Child

knowing what I know
and seeing what I see
I believe there’s still a little girl
trapped inside of me

who wonders at life’s butterflies
and stomps and pouts sometimes
who loves the moon and starry skies
and even nursery rhymes

inside of each of us, you see
is our inner child
yearning to be who we must be
calm and quiet or spunky wild…

another way to say this
simply put would be
don’t lose your “self” or ye shall miss
the real you, definitely

Lynn West

On My Way

On My Way

On my way
coming home at last
past days and times
through clouds of gray
where I long to be,
where I yearn to stay

On my way
to see the one,
my man,
my world,
my moon, my sun

On my way
past the guilt and strife
coming home at last
to my one, my life

On my way
in his arms tonight
kissing his lips
holding him tight




Lynn West
(c) 2006

Ode to Merlin

Ode to Merlin

The depths of the ocean
cannot begin to hold
the feelings I have inside
how can I put to words?

you are my sun, my moon
my stars and my heavens
my hills, my islands
my rivers, my valleys
my mountains and my streams

my hero and teacher
my knight and my king
my rubies and diamonds
my finest champagne
my sweetest of wines

the spring and the summer of me
the fall and winter within
my warm summer breeze
my hearth and my fire
my heart’s one desire…

I love you

Lynn West

No Words

NO WORDS

No words can truly express
the feelings I have for you
and time cannot take away
our love, so pure and true

No words can show the value
nor the depth of emotions we feel
and time won’t fade the beauty
of a love this strong, this real

No single word will really do
to describe how intensely we love
and time cannot take away
this gift, surely sent from above

And finally its come to be
the words I longed to hear
I’ll see you in the morning, Angel
my plane is already here

Of course no words are needed now
Your body is next to mine
I feel your love, your presence
surrounding me til the end of time

Lynn West

Night of Stars, Moon's Grace

Night of stars, Moon’s Grace

Night of stars
celebrating light
moon’s wonder
mellowing night

No darkness ills
when moon’s light shines
throughout the hills
her light devine

Oh moon, oh moon
we celebrate you
deep in the mountains
and at ocean’s side too
Blessed moon
Lady of light
Goddess of Angels
and heaven’s delight

Your beams glow within us
your light warms the way
peace amongst all
is the chant that I pray

Lynn West
(c) 2008

Nevermore

Nevermore

Nevermore to touch her hair
as moonlight bathes her face

Nevermore to kiss sweet lips
or feel her warm embrace

Nevermore to hear her voice
singing soft and low

Nevermore to walk with her
where the wild flowers grow

Nevermore to dance their dance
as stars come out at night

Nevermore to sleep with her
she sleeps eternally tonight…

Lynn West
(c) 2008

Nature to Behold

Nature to Behold

Father Time, be still a while
and let me capture this moment

Mother Earth rest your weary head
for we will help you through

King Sun shine bright
and cast your rays
to liven up the day

Moon Goddess, even in shadow
your special glow
can put the stars to shame

Brother Wind, move on
and clean our air
with all your might and strength

Sister Oceans and Lakes
send us your bounty
and for it we will thank thee

Sweet rain, come down and
sprinkle us with your renewing drops

What glory there is in just a day
if only you stop to look

Lynn West
(c) 2008

My Little Slice

My Little Slice

A little slice of heaven
I call my “back yard”
with flowers galore, strawberries too
moonlit nights and morning’s soft dew

Freshly cut grass smelling sweet
butterflies and ladybugs too
a swing on the lawn
and a sky, oh so blue

With birds in the bath
and squirrels up a tree
bees buzzing about
this is tranquility to me

Lynn West

My Little Girl

My Little Girl

My little girl, blue eyes full of wonder
the world is waiting for you…
cutting teeth, saying da da
and taking a step or two

Then it’s the “terrible twos”
those rambunctious years
full of mischief and laughter
toys, dollies and tears

On to the threes
where you constantly ask “why”
and when someone says “how pretty”
you shrink back, suddenly shy

Next comes the four’s
playing dress up all day
mimicking mommy at chores
and wanting things your way

And onward you go
five, six, seven, eight
such a good girl,
my heart you elate

And in the blink of an eye
more years have flown by
you’re a teenager now
no longer shy
giving the boys
a smile as they walk by

Off to college you go
all ready to soar,
out on your own,
God, I miss you so

A woman now
no longer my little girl
you’re a beautiful woman,
ready to take a vow

Be happy, my dear
and always know
I found true happiness
just watching you grow

Lynn West

for Shannon

My Favorite Season

My Favorite Season

Star of David, shining bright
guide me through this Autumn night

Harvest moon glowing like the sun
lead me to my special one

Leaves that fall and shine like gold
as the season’s days unfold

Air so crisp, you’ll want to dance
life giving you a second chance

Bountiful harvests, pumpkins galore
ghosts and goblins we all adore

Candy apples and popcorn balls too
what does autumn mean to you?

Lynn West
(c) 2008

My Brother from Another Mother

My Brother from Another Mother

He sang to me a song of old
and the words
came back to me
that sweet, sweet sound
of his guitar strummed out
that haunting melody

He’s found his soul
at long, long last
and for that I am full of joy
for this one deserves
true happiness
my brother, my “little boy”

Now will it work out - only
time will tell
and whether it does or not
he will walk life’s path
a happy man
and be thankful
for all he’s got

Lynn West
(c) 2008

For Chris

The Mountain Girl

The Mountain Girl

There once was a man
without malice or plan
who stole the heart
of a mountain girl

Once that mountain girl was his
well, that changed his deed,
for he realized after all
this mountain girl was his one true need

So they climbed the hills
and waded the mire
so that together they’d be
knowing that was both their heart’s desire

A wise man once said
with truth in his voice
love without pain
may not be our choice

But the mountain girl knew
that for him she’d give all
for those eyes of blue
her soul they did call

Lynn West

Serinity

Serenity

Waking up to face each day
with an inner calm

Knowing that when I open my eyes,
you will be there, beside me

Breathing in the scent of you
as I hold you near

Loving you is serenity
and there I find my peace

Lynn West
(c) 2009

Happy New Beginnings

Happy New Beginnings

happy new beginnings
as this chapter ends

no worries now
well, maybe, that depends

ah, new beginnings
a life carved out “my way”

to look on the “bright side”
and make sure there I stay

the road is so much clearer
for I start anew today…


Lynn West
2008

Memories

Memories

They say the best things
in life are free,
that friends and family
are everything
and I would have to agree

It seems, though, those times
just don't last, the good times
with friends and family
and before you know it,
it's all in the past

Dealing with this, the loss,
is so hard
what is a person to do?
Memories, my friend, will help you -
just remember the good times,
for they
will see you through...



Lynn West
(c) 2009


for Josh

Mirrored Images

Mirrored Images

I don't think of this
as solitary confinement,
more like one-on-none

Simply getting in touch
with the person I see
reflecting back at me

Coming to know who I
really am, all walls
torn down

Getting a grip on reality,
taking all things in stride;
believing that I matter,
bringing to surface
my dignity and pride

Breathe in, breathe out
relax and merely "be"
for there really is no doubt
I am just "me," being "me"

Lynn West
2009

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Eternal Darkness

Eternal Darkness

The silence deafens me,
it's all that I can hear...
your laughter no longer
fills these walls, your
voice no longer
whispers in my ear

There is a constant void
where once your sun
brightened my life
and I am feeling
quite "undone"

I miss you with my heart
I miss you with my soul
I miss you as I live and breathe,
your death is taking its toll

The darkness now prevails
there is no Spring for me
and your ever sleeping eyes
is all that I can see

Lynn West
2009

Sunday, February 15, 2009

The Cottage

The Cottage

The cool morning mist
surrounds her like a fog
as she steps lightly
into the forest

Dew drops cling to her hair
as she searches for that
special place where she
once belonged

Searching for landmarks,
the old dead tree (long since
returned to the earth)
she loses her way and
finds herself circling
...listening she hears
the babbling of a brook

Standing there for what
seems like hours, she
wonders which way to go,
looking down she sees
the remnants of an old
stone path and instinctively
knows that the cottage is nearby

As she makes her way through
the overgrowth that was
once the garden, past the
low rock wall, there under
the canopy of the massive oak
trees she stops, her breath
coming quickly now in anticipation,
as her search comes to an end

The door stands open, waiting, and as
she makes her way through the cobweb
covered doorway, past the old brick
fireplace, she stops, remembering the
smells of her grandmother's cooking
like it was yesterday

She can still see that
loving face (gone for decades
now) smiling down at her,
eyes twinkling, hands
warm and welcoming

As the hours tick by,
she sits in the tiny kitchen
of the abandoned cottage
that once was her childhood
safe haven and in her mind
the years slip away and she can
once again hear that lovely voice,
softly humming and she yearns
to have her grandmother's arms
around her once more

Lynn West
2009

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Mother Nature

Mother Nature

The wind blows
it's wispy feathers
to give you breeze

The sun shines with radiance
to bring you warmth

The rains kiss you gently
to offer you drink

The moon rises nightly
to light a path for you

All nature bows to you
to thank you for your grace,
Mother Earth


Lynn West

Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa

Her smile as warm
as a summer’s day,
fresh and lovely as
the month of May

Her eyes truly speak
to your very soul
yet her lips, though they smile sweetly,
leave the story untold

And as she sat for her artist’s hand,
I wonder what she was thinking then?
Did she even want to be there, looking for all the world as if she didn’t even have a care…
Were they pure thoughts, merriment,
candor, even sin?

Oh, Mona Lisa, sweet Mona Lisa,
the world knows you
and when we see that “little smile”
it makes us want to smile too

Lynn West
2008

Mona Lisa


Mona Lisa

Her smile as warm
as a warm spring day,
fresh and lovely as
the month of May

Her eyes truly speak
to your very soul
yet her lips,
though they smile sweetly,
leave the story untold

And as she sat for her artist’s hand,
I wonder what she was thinking then?
Did she even want to be there,
looking for all the world
as if she didn’t have a care…

Were they pure thoughts,
merriment, candor, even sin?
Was she about to laugh or
just give us that grin?

Oh, Mona Lisa, sweet Mona Lisa,
the world knows you
and when we see that “little smile”
it makes us want to smile too

Lynn West
(c) 2008
Photo of Mona Lisa Painting used without permission

Master of Lies

Master of Lies

Layers of lies,
here we go again
first one, then two then three

Lies stacked like books in a library
as the web of deception is spun
for the Master of Lies they come so easily

Rolling off the tongue as smooth as silk
believing every one he tells
what a sad life it is, all those half truths
no one buys what it is he sells…


Lynn West
2008

Lover's Prayer

Lover’s Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray to find the one
who makes my eyes smile
and touches my “inner sun”

May Grace bring us together
and keep us safe today
for finding your true soul mate
is a blessing in every way

Lynn West
2007

The Joining

The Joining

The night’s moon shimmered on her face
his love, his light, his heart’s one place

To know her touch was heaven’s gate
a soul mate’s kiss, so worth the wait

Each breath he took was for his “Joan”
her heart beat for him alone

How long in time had their wait been?
Matter not - nevermore to wait again!

Of lovers told, their story unrivaled
across time older than the sun
a tale of lovers truly bound
“soul mates” now joined as one

Lynn West
2008

Ramblings

Lost in thought
drifting soundlessly
deep in dreams
dreams of lives,
lives intertwining
intertwining bodies
seeking your lover’s touch
in dreams, in reality,
in flesh...
behold!

Lynn West

Life's Path

Life’s Path

One never knows where the path will lead
be it winding, narrow or straight
courage to carry through is our need
for the crossroads we must contemplate

The choices made today, my friend
will shape your destiny
be them new beginnings, or an end
your inner light will help you “see”

Lynn West
2008

Being Me

Being Me

On a lighter note
of merry me,
let me send light
to all of thee

Spill loving words
to the universe,
kindness and compassion
let me always rehearse

I will harm none, hurt not one,
we shall lift each other up
and in the time of hunger and
thirst, let me offer you my cup

Help me know not a stranger,
teach me to soothe away the tears
and always let me walk the path
of harmony throughout my years


(c) Lynn West
2009

The Nightmare

The Nightmare

Your emotions seizing you
like a vice, the cold so
bitter you can't feel your legs

Slipping into darkness,
you see a faint ray of light,
as your reach out to grasp it
you feel yourself beginning
to warm, yet as you scream,
no words form

Agony overtakes you as
you try to shake off your
fears, the wolves are
circling and there is no
place to run

Then you feel yourself falling
deeper and deeper you plunge
the blackness surrounds you
and you start to spiral!

Wake up, its only a dream....


(c) Lynn West
2009

The Quest

What are you searching for?
You, who wander the streets
with the look on your face
that mirrors a tortured soul

Although you search
"high and low," what you
seek you will not find,
unless you turn your
search within

Take it from someone
who knows; the path
is made of briars and
stone, yet if you
walk your way
in light, you
will never travel
your path alone

Lynn West
(c) 2009