by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & the Brand Shamans network

They told me I couldn't survive
Said I wouldn't have the strength to thrive

The waves came crashing down
Water was thrashing all around

The wind showed no mercy to the sea
Lightning and its thundering boom surrounded me

I pressed on awaiting my rainbow
For little did they know

While they tried to make me conform
I've always forever been the storm.

That peace they thought I should get
Can only come after getting wet

Being drenched in the storms of life
And experiencing the lessons and strife

Is the only way to get to that rainbow end
I am the storm and I have no desire to mend

--------------

Poetry written by me July 10, 2020,  inspired by Storm or Ororo Munroe character from Marvel Comics, whom I have identified with since I was a kid. This poem is meant to inspire others to embrace the storms of life because that is where the lessons and rainbows come from.

​By, Crystal S. Kauffman

A smile begins to grow on my face,
The moment you are in your place.
Take control as I melt into your touch,
Never knew I needed someone this much.

Kiss my lips softly while caressing my skin,
Caught up in the passion that rages within.
Offering you my scarred heart freely tonight,
Frightened but this feels like it is right.

In your arms is where I choose to be,
That is only time, I truly feel completely free.
Take my hand and walk with me in life,
I cannot promise that there will be no strife.

Accept my gift and you will always have friend,
Riding beside you till my heartbeats end.
Trusting you always with my heart,
Loving you is a good place to start.

©2019

By Crystal S. Kauffman, Contributing Writer
Poem Dedicated to JD

Missing your arms and touch tonight,
Our song floods my ears and entices my mind.
I close my eyes and picture a time when,
We had it all, because we had each other.
 
I never thought I would be feeling so alone without you,
Dancing together in my dreams and kissing your sweet lips.
Your love changed me in ways that you will never know,
Do you remember the way we met and the nights we shared?
 
I never felt so in love with a person before I met you,
Remind me of the way, we lost ourselves in each other.
I need you now to just smile and say something clever,
However, you are a dream now that I meet each night.
 
We were so close to finally having what we want,
Being in love with you took my breath away.
I gave you my heart so many years ago,
I force a smile when my heart is shattering.
 
How do I reach out to a memory that has faded?
Do I ever enter your thoughts and your mind?
The pain shows me that you were mine once,
My heart hasn’t healed and there is nothing I can do.
 
Praying and crying won’t bring you back to me,
It has been so long, since we ignited that everlasting fire.
All the feelings we felt and the nights we spent together.
Came to an abrupt end and that is what truly hurts the most.
 
©2016, Crystal S. Kauffman
(Free Verse)

Life is like a flower growing wild,
Dancing in the rain like a child.
Emotions stir as the heart awakes,
Wondering if I have made a mistake?

The flower snaps in the summer breeze,
Like a horse with broken knees.
My soul is wounded beyond repair,
There is nothing to here, not even a flare.

The past has stolen my innocence away,
As a clumsy dancer, I continue to sway.
Stumbling through life without a light,
Holding on to what I feel is right.

Struggling to let my soul free,
I just want to be me!

©Crystal S. Kauffman, 2008

By, Crystal S. Kauffman, Contributing Writer

You're the one I look to when my life falls apart,
You have had me in your hands from the start.
My life was bleak when I decided to move away,
So today, I come back home to you and here I will stay.

I know you will accept me, so I don't feel an ounce of fear,
I am humbled, on my knees, and silently listening to hear.
Where do I go next as I choose to let you guide me,
You are the only the one in this world that can set me free.
 
Only you know where my life will ultimately lead,
I haven't forgotten that I gave you my heart and its deed.
I have stumbled through life and looked for guidance from all,
Instead, I found a ton of strength the moment I took my fall.
 
I will continue to grow in the ways you choose for my life,
Despite the trials and tribulations that will cut like a knife.
Lord, I know you are in control of my life and my future,
Therefore, the peace will replace the temporary sutures.
 
©2012, Crystal S. Kauffman

Give me this moment father,
I don't want to be a bother.     
Calm the rage I feel,
Love me, as I start to heal.
 
I will not complain or cry,
Watch me as I fly.
Tomorrow I will grow my wings,
Start to fly and handle things.
 
I made my own prison of sin,
Some blame what I grew up in,
Never knowing love that I should,
Most of my life I felt misunderstood.
 
Holding on to a dream will all my might,
Standing against the odds I will fight.
To stubborn to give up or to quit,
No matter the blow or the hit.

Not even cancer can take my desire,
Or my passion that burns like a fire.
Burning my soul, as I face this pain,
My eyes are left with tears that stain.

Your love is what I have inside,
So, therefore I will not hide.
I will stand and take all I can,
With you holding my hand.

Lost and pushing straight,
Patiently, I will forever wait.
Nothing can stop me now,
Only you can show me how.

Life is hard, without you here,
Take my soul and hold it near.
I don't know what my future will hold,
Please, don't let my anger leave me cold.



PS: I wrote this poem in 2008, when I was dealing with a lot of anger for various reasons. I have learned to forgive and I feel so relieved that I do not feel this way anymore. However, you may be dancing with you own anger. I hope this poem speaks to you and allows you to forgive on make peace with those you are angry at. You don't forgive for them, instead you forgive for yourself.
 

One autumn day, after school my twin brother Thomas and I noticed that our family's dog was not outside on his chain. Nooksack usually barks or howls at us, once we step off the school bus in the afternoon. He will continue barking; until he gets the attention that he is craving from us. I thought that my step-dad might have moved him inside the house, before he went to work. After searching the house, my brother and I realized that Nooksack was missing. I was beginning to worry when my confident brother suggested that we walked along the naval base in Seattle, WA. I was literally stumped on where he could be, because normally he would chase our school bus whenever he broke his chain. As we walked the neighbored, my brother and I gave out his description to the other kids we passed. We knew he liked all children, since we were about to turn ten years old on New Year’s Eve.

"Where could he be!" I thought to myself.

"Let's go check the nature trail. Nooksack is used to us walking with him in that area." Thomas suggested.

Nooksack was a dark brown and tan German-Shepherd mix, who was born different colored eyes. His left eye was light blue and his right eye was a dark brown, which made him unique. I was getting frustrated and sad because we couldn't find him, but my brother was sure we would find him. I continued calling his name, as my brother continuously whistled for him.
We walked down a winding hill, until we reached a path which was lined with wild flowers and apple trees. My brother decided to grab a couple of the green apples for us, as we continued walking along the trail. I stopped to pick some wildflowers for my mom, as Thomas handed me an apple. I stuck my apple in my pocket and we continued looking and calling for him.
In the distance, we saw a small wooded trail, which lead deeper into the woods. My brother and I were sure we had never seen it before.

At first, I didn't want to follow the new trail, because I was worried about getting lost. However, my brother assured that he knew the way back to our home. As we approached the trail, I noticed a large set of paw prints, which belonged to a large dog like Nooksack. I knew that the paw prints could belong to our dog, so I became excited and showed my brother what I had discovered. He suggested that we follow the paw prints and the new trail we had found. Not long after we set out on the wooded trail, we came to a clearing and found a wooden gate. The gate was made of two totem poles with carvings of animals and a sign that read, Discovery Park in bright yet bold yellow letters.

My brother and I walked through the gate and followed the walkway, until it led to two small buildings that were painted an off-white color. As we got closer to the buildings, I noticed a small playground with a set of swings and a tall metal slide. My brother and I ran to the swings, when a four-legged figure appeared from behind the trees that lined the backside of the playground.

Suddenly, I realized it was Nooksack walking toward us with his tail wagging and barking at my brother and I. Personally, I was thrilled about finding our dog, but even more excited to have found such an interesting place.        

"There you are! Come here boy." I called out.  

My brother and I played fetch with Nooksack, until he had had all the attention he could stand for the moment. He decided to go lay down in the shade, while we investigated the buildings that we had discovered. The first building was open, so my brother and I quietly made our way inside the mysterious buildings. I stood in amazement of what we found inside of the building, which was full of real-life Indian artifacts. The buildings walls were lined with clothing, unique jewelry, moccasins, and wooden sculptures.

In addition, some interesting artifacts were enclosed in a locked glass case that lined the back wall. My brother pointed out some beautiful paintings of different Indians who were riding their horses. These paintings were leaning against a wall near a closet, but the closet was locked. My brother and I decided to venture out of the building, in order to explore what was inside of the second building.

Once, we were inside of the building, we found more glass cases with more impressive artifacts. In addition, we found a small model, which showed the two buildings and the playground. My brother and I read the different articles and notices that were hanging on the walls before we left the building.

"I'll race you to the swing...Sis!" My brother yelled.

Suddenly, he took off running toward the swing set and I was closing in fast, but he beat me to the swing as usual. After we had played on the swings for a while, I pointed out the tall metal slide. My brother jumped off the swing and ran toward the slide, so I decided to follow him. He began climbing toward the top of the slide as I stood at the bottom and watched. Finally, I decided to climb the stairs, in order to reach the top of the slide but my heart began pounding with fear.

When I reached the top of the slide, the excitement started to replace the fear that I had felt. I felt the wind rush against my face, as I slid down the enormous slide. In that moment, I could not believe how much fun we were having in this new park, which we had discovered while looking for our dog. We lost track of time over the next few hours and the sun began to set overhead, so we put Nooksack's leash on him.

My brother stopped me and urged to be quiet, because he had heard a sound coming from the woods. Our dog began growling and barking, as a figure of a large man appeared to be coming out of the woods. My brother and I stayed behind our dog, as we hid under the slide.

My brother whispered "Stay here with Nooksack. Be prepared to run, just in case."

"I won't leave you." I declared as my heart began pounding.

"I will be right behind you." He promised.

Just as my brother came out from under the slide, I saw an older man with dark skin and long black hair approaching us. The man was using an old wooden walking stick as a cane. He was dressed similar to the men in the paintings, which we had seen earlier inside the buildings. I noticed that he was wearing a pair of real leather moccasins, like the ones we had seen in the glass display cases.

"Hi, I am Chief Twin Feather. I did not mean to frighten either of you. I am the caretaker here at the museum and the playground." The mysterious man claimed with a friendly smile. "What brings you both here so late?"

"We were looking for our dog and we found him here at the park, but we lost track of time!" Thomas answered.

Nooksack began wagging his tail and barking his friendly bark, like he knew the man as he reached down to pet him. I stepped out from under the slide to shake the man's hand and introduced myself to him.

"Your dog has been coming to visit me for about a month now." The Chief revealed.

"No wonder he breaks his chain a lot!" I responded. "It's nice meeting you, but we have to go home."

"Come back anytime you want and be sure to bring your dog." He declared with a warm smile.

After we made it home, we told our mom all about the Indian Park and Museum that we had discovered in the woods. Our parents decided to follow us to the park the next and they brought my little brother Jamie along. Chief Twin Feather met our parents and my little brother loved the simple playground as much as we did.

Every day after school, we took our dog to see Chief Twin Feather, while my brothers and I played at the park. The Chief taught us about the many artifacts in the museum and what each on represented. I enjoyed hearing his many interesting, yet intriguing stories shared about how his ancestors lived. One day, he invited us to a special ceremonial dance and he gave my family new tribal names.

My official Indian name was Free Spirit and my twin brother's name was Wild Eagle. However, I don't remember what he named the rest of my family, but it was one memorable night. For the next few years, my brothers and I always met up with the Chief at the park, so he could teach us more about his culture. Furthermore, he took us on a tour of the lighthouse, since he was also the caretaker. We had a wonderful time and I will never forget Discovery Park or the many things he taught us.

Today, Discovery Park is one of the largest wildlife parks in Seattle, Washington. The park has grown considerably, since we lived there in the early 80's. I noticed that there have been many changes since the last time my family visited this park. However, a few things have remained the same, like the lighthouse and the Indian Cultural Center that once was a small museum.

©2012, Crystal S. Kauffman

Rose was planning a surprise birthday party for her little sister Lily, who is turning four years old today. She had planned to throw the party after dinner tonight and had invited eight of her little friends. She invited her friends were from the small farming neighborhood that they live in, just inside of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Unfortunately, Rose overheard the weatherman discussing the chances of strong thunderstorms for tonight.

Rose turned twelve years old about four months ago and she has been paying more attention to the news and weather. She teamed up with her mother, in order to get the living room decorated before the party guests begin arriving. Her mother helped her decorate the living room with pink and white party decorations, as well as setting up the gift table. Rose pulled her long blonde hair back into a pony tail and climbed living room furniture, so she could reach high enough to help string up the different colored pink streamers. Rose quickly hung the three foot homemade banner directly in center of the living room, by attaching it to the wooden ceiling fan blades.

She knew that the fan would be turned off for the party tonight. Rose had spent all week creating the special banner for her fun-loving, yet bratty little sister. Lily is her best friend and a little pest at times too, but either way Rose loved her little sister. Lily has long curly blonde hair; just like Rose with matching green eyes which sparkle like emeralds. About eight weeks ago, her mother gave birth to their baby sister named Orchid. She is so tiny and breakable, but Rose and Lily loved helping her mom tend to their sister whenever they had a chance too.     

She went to the mall and used her allowance to buy Lily’s special birthday gifts. She wrapped her gifts and let her mom put them with the rest of the family’s birthday gifts. Pink was Lily’s favorite color and she made sure everyone knew it. Literally, her entire wardrobe was different shades of pink and her bedroom was decorated with a light pink princess bed. The bed matches the dresser, the bedding set, the lamp, and the nightstand. She loves collecting porcelain dolls and stuffed animals, plus collecting fake pink roses.

She told her mom that the vase of different colored pink roses reminded her of her big sister Rose. This revelation made Rose smile, when she overheard Lily telling her mom about the meaning of the roses that she collected. Finally, dad came home from work at about 5:15 PM and the girls ran outside to meet him. After washing up, the family sat down to eat a special dinner and discuss the party coming up tonight at 6:30 PM.

“The weatherman says we may get some bad thunderstorms tonight, so we may need to shorten the party.” Dad said.

“For now we will keep the weather radio on and play it by ear, until we are sure what we should do.” Mom answered.

“Okay, during the party, I will listen to the weather reports on the radio and I will keep you updated.”

“Alright, I am going to feed Orchid. Can you help Rose finish setting up for the party?” Mom asked.

Dad nodded with a smile. Time slipped by, while Rose and her Dad finished setting up the last minute party favors. Suddenly, the doorbell rang and Rose left to open the door. Three kids from the Mullen’s family were standing at the front door with their mother.

“Please, come on in and make yourselves comfortable until the other guests arrive.” Rose said.

“Thanks, you three go find Lily. Rose, where is your mom?” Mrs. Mullen asked.

“She is feeding the baby in her room. I will show you the way.”

“Thank you, Rose!” Mrs. Mullen said.

Their dad let more kids in, until all the guest had arrived. Lily was playing in her room with the six girls and two boys that Rose had invited to her birthday party tonight. She was excited and Rose had to admit that she loved seeing Lily so happy. Finally, their mom came out of her room with Orchid in her arms and Mrs. Mullen right behind her. She yelled for everyone to join her in the living room and Lily came running in first with the others right behind her. However, their dad was in the kitchen listening to the weather radio, just in case they have a severe thunderstorm tonight.

To get the party started, their Mom led everyone in singing “Happy Birthday” to Lily, who was looking around a smiling at all the decorations. Rose could tell she was about to burst with excitement, especially once she saw that the gift table was full of different colored pink gift bags. Rose took over after they had finished singing and she had Lily sit down in a rocking chair next to the gift table.

The other guests sat across from Lily on the couch and loveseat. Rose had Lily close her eyes and she handed her the first gift, which she opened the gift bag and pulled out a bright pink outfit from their mom and dad.

She continued letting Lily look into each gift bag to get out her new presents. Rose finally reached her two gifts that had been wrapped up, so Rose let her little sister unwrap the gifts. Lily was excited when she found necklace with a pink fairy in one box and a matching pair of earrings in the other box.

After all the gifts were opened, everyone moved to the dining room and Rose’s dad asked her to come outside with him. Mrs. Mullen was serving cake and ice cream, so Rose joined her dad and mom outside. Rose was worried after she saw her dad opening up the storm shelter. He was putting supplies in the storm cellar.

“The weatherman has predicted severe thunderstorms with a tornado watch over this area. We need to get everyone down into the storm cellar now!” Dad said.

Her mom was going into the cellar with Orchid, while dad was running inside to get the rest of the supplies. Thankfully, her parents always kept food and lodging items in the storm cellar, so Rose knew they would be okay. After Orchid was born Rose put a small bassinet, diapers, and cleans bottles in the shelter.  

Rose ran straight to the dining room and let Mrs. Mullen know about the watch. She told her that she needed to help her dad gather supplies. Suddenly, a loud siren began sounding and Rose knew they all had to run to the storm cellar.  

“A tornado is coming! Follow me, as quickly as you can. We are going to the storm cellar outside.”

Everyone began running behind Rose and she led them to the storm cellar, but she immediately realized that Lily wasn’t behind her. She ran back in the house and she found Lily holding her ears and hiding behind the couch scared. Rose knew she had to get her to the shelter now, but she also knew Lily was afraid.

Rose grabbed her hands away from her ears and yelled, “Follow me to the storm cellar Lily. I will stay with you till it is over...I promise!”

The wind was strong after they got outside, but together they ran against the wind toward the storm cellar. Rose pushed Lily to run faster, so they can get to the storm cellar and safety quicker.

Her dad rushed up the steps to help them inside, but the cellar door slammed shut on him. He tried his best to open the doors, when suddenly a gust of wind opened the door. Rose shoved Lily inside the cellar, which hurt her a little but Rose was worried they wouldn’t make it to the cellar in time.

A loud rumbling noise overtook the sirens and all Rose could hear was something that sounded that a freight train coming through. Now, Rose was worried she wouldn’t make it herself inside the cellar, when suddenly her dad grabbed her by the hand. He yanked her inside the cellar and yelled for every to get as far back into the cellar as they can.

Lily climbed on top of roses lap and began crying, as her body trembled in fear. Rose tried to console her, but she was worried about her dad’s safety as well. He was still on the cellar’s steps struggling to shut the door, when gust of wind knocked him off the steps and into the cellar floor. The door slammed shut and he quickly ran back up the steps, in order to lock the doors and secure the cellar. Everyone was safe now, but Lily and her guest were still crying. The cellar door kept rumbling and shaking, which made Rose begin to worry. Without any warning, the cellar doors stopped making noises and the outside seemed quiet. The siren had stopped sounding and Rose overheard the weatherman on the radio talking about the F2 tornado that had touched in the Bartlesville, Oklahoma area.

“Is the monster gone?” Lily asked.

I hugged Lily tightly and responded, “I think so…”

Rose watched as her dad opened the cellar door and he said, “Fortunately, our house had not been too badly damaged by the tornado. Come on, let’s go inside and get everyone settled for bed.”

Everyone followed their dad out of the cellar and into the house, where Mrs. Muller began cleaning everyone up. Rose helped Lily, while their Mom took Orchid inside and laid her down in her crib. Rose went into shock, because couldn’t believe how close to danger she had came tonight. Lily tugged on her t-shirt and snapped her out of the daze she was in. She helped Lily and the five other girls get settled for the night, because there was no way that they would be going home tonight. Most of the roads will be closed, until the damaged has been accessed and cell phones weren’t working. 

Mrs. Mullen decided to let her three children lie down in the living room with her. Rose was about to get in the bed, when her father came in to say good night but instead he smiled proudly at her.

“You were so brave tonight Rose! You saved your sister’s life tonight, but you put yourself in danger.” Dad said.

Rose smiled and then stated, “I knew she was terrified of the monster that was coming, so I had to help her. One day, she will realize that what she is calling a monster….is actually a tornado! But, until then, I am her big sister and have to protect her."

“Good night…Our little hero!” Dad said with a proud smile and he turned the light off.


©2014, Crystal S. Kauffman

By, Crystal S. Kauffman, Contributing Writer

I could not sleep tonight, due Lacy's snoring or Gillian's restlessness. I stared at the dark shadows that were dancing on the ceiling. The whispering branches of enormous willow tree outside my bedroom danced in harmony to the wind. The branch's shadows felt rather comforting to me. I sat up in my bed and gazed at my tiny but cluttered attic that I share with my sisters. My sisters sleep on a wooden bunk bed, while I slept on an old twin bed that is crammed into an old walk-in closet. I watched Lacy toss and turn on the top bunk, while Gillian's snoring grew louder. I couldn't take no more, so I began descending down the ladder into the hallway. I walked to the hall closet and pulled out my favorite pink throw blanket.

I laid down on the overstuffed black love seat and began thinking about how squished I feel. We share a room and a bathroom, which can be very annoying at times. Our room is completely stuffed with all sorts of different things that my sisters and I collect. For example, I collect porcelain dolls and stuffed animals, but Lacy mainly collects computer stuff. However, Gillian collects anything with fairies and frogs on it. So, our room is cluttered and messy looking at all times. Thankfully, I just turned twelve last week right before school let out for summer vacation.

Tomorrow, my sisters are going off to a summer camp for five days and I cannot wait until they leave. I usually go to summer camp, but this year I really didn't want to go. My mind was racing with different thoughts about how I can gain some freedom from my sisters. I tossed and turned on the love seat until I finally fell asleep.

My dad yelled, "Girls, let's go now! We have to meet the bus at the church." This woke me up, so I threw the pillow over my head as my sister’s began yelling as well.

"Yes Daddy, we are coming." Lacy called out.

"Marley, I will be back soon."

"Can I go? It won't take me long to change out of my pajamas and get ready to leave."

"Hurry up, Marley!" He said.

I nodded with a smile and headed straight to my room, where I found Gillian still packing her last suitcase. My dad carried out my little sister's suitcases, while I rushed upstairs to get dressed because I wanted to go with them. Once I finished getting ready, I helped Gillian carry her last suitcase to our car. Lacy was already sitting in the front seat on the passenger's side, so Gillian and I climbed in the backseat.

My dad decided to give my sisters some safety reminders, after we drove into the church parking lot. I hate to admit it, but I will miss my sisters a little. However, I am looking forward to the peace and quiet. I will be able to do pretty much anything I want. Lacy is fourteen-years-old and extremely popular, so she joined the other teenagers who were waiting on the bus.

Lacy is a tall yet slender with short brown hair with red highlights and big brown eyes. Last month, she donated her long wavy hair to a foundation, which makes free wigs for children with cancer. My oldest sister is always hogging the phone and the bathroom, which completely annoys me. However, Gillian is a petite eight-year-old with auburn colored hair and eyes that reminded me of a deep blue ocean.

She is always tattling on me or following me around like a lost puppy. We watched my sister's safely get on the bus and we waved good-bye as the bus pulled away. During the ride home, I had an idea pop in my head that would give me my own space. However, I must get my father to agree to it, which will take some begging and pleading.

In about twenty minutes, my father was pulling into our driveway and I could barely contain my excitement. We both walked inside the house and we each went our separate ways, which allowed me to scream into a pillow and gain my composure once again. He sat down at the kitchen table with his morning newspaper and a cup of coffee. I headed toward the bathroom and then I noticed a door that was locked. The mysterious door was just behind the stairs that lead to the attic.

I asked, "What does the door in the hallway go to?"

"The door goes to the bathroom." He smiled.

"No, the door behind the stairway that leads to the attic."

"Oh that door! It is a small storage room, where I put everything that we do not use."

"Can it be turned into a room?"

"What is your sudden interest in that room, Marley?" He asked.

"I am squished, I want my own room!" I stated with a frown.

I made us some cereal for breakfast, while my father read the local newspaper as he did every morning. I waited anxiously for him to respond, but he remained silent. Finally, I couldn't contain my excitement, so I decided to refill his coffee.

He took a sip of his coffee as he replied, "That room needs a lot of work and I don't have the time to fix it. You will just have to wait, until I find some free time."

"Can I fix it up by myself…please?" I pleaded on my hands and knees in front of him.

"You can't fix the room by all by yourself. The room will need cleaning out and a few coats of paint."

"I can do it daddy and I won't need your help at all…I promise!"

"Okay, I will make a deal with you?" He answered, "If you clean out the room and fix it up, then it will be yours. You can have a yard sell using the stuff you find in the room, in order to earn the money that you will need for supplies.

"Thank you, Daddy!"

I began cleaning the storage room out and gathering things to sell at my yard sale tomorrow. I kept an antique solid oak desk and a black touch lamp that just needed a little cleaning up. The next morning, I spread out every item that I wanted to sell on three fold out tables and I quickly wrote "YARD SALE" on several old white poster boards with black permanent marker. My father offered to put the signs out in the neighborhood, on his way to work. My mom and I sat outside all day, as people stopped by to inquire and buy our old stuff.

Just before it got dark, I took everything that was left and put it neatly in the garage. I sat down at the kitchen table and began counting the money I had made today. My dad came in from work; just as I announced, "I made seventy-eight dollars and twenty-five cents!"

“Good job today…Marley! I stopped by the hardware store and picked some painting supplies, as well as five gallons of a light pink color for the walls. In addition, I grabbed two gallons of white paint for the ceiling, door, and trim.” He said with a smile.

"Here is the all money I made today. If I have enough money leftover, will you buy me a ceiling fan with a light?"

"I will see what I can find tomorrow at the local hardware store."

I filled a bucket full of all the cleaning supplies that I needed and headed to my new room. I turned on my radio and began scrubbing the windows, walls, and floors. I was dancing to the music. The next day, I applied painter's tape where I needed it and began painting. It took three days to paint the entire room including: the door, the window and its trim.

I didn't want anyone to see my new room yet, so I kept the door locked for the next few days. I cleaned everything that belonged to me out of my sister's room and began decorating my room once the paint had dried.

After I finished organizing and decorating my new room, I decided to reorganize my sister's room. I was proud of myself for completing the project all by myself. The night before my sisters come home, I was completely moved into my room. I was so tired, but I wanted to admire my accomplishment or achievement.

However, I was worried about what my sisters might say. I was nervous about what my sisters will think when they see what I did. After saying my prayers and writing in my journal, I tried to get comfortable so I could fall asleep. The next day, I woke up to a slamming door and the morning sun was blinding me through the white curtains.

"Oh no, I slept to long!" I declared.

I heard my sisters rush up the stairs to put their things away. Then, they both came rushing down the stairs and Lacy immediately asked, "Where did all of Marley's stuff go?"

"Marley, I missed you all week!" Gillian cried as she embraced me. "Thanks for redecorating our room."

"I missed you too!" I admitted to Gillian.

"I have something for you Marley!" Gillian stated as she handed me a small beautiful heart-shaped pink and white colored crystal.

"You may put it in my room on the desk by the window. You will see the basket of rocks you have given me over the years."

"That isn't fair, Mom! She gets her own room?" Lacy protested, "I am older than her!"

"I did it all by myself!" I bragged.

Dad confessed," I am proud of you, Marley! You kept you word and I never once had to help you paint or move stuff."

"Thanks Dad, I'm not feeling squished anymore!" I revealed with a grin

"But, now I'm squished!" Lacy replied.


Previously Published
©2007, Crystal S. Kauffman

I'm slowing down to a crawl

Even though I wanna run

Want to run with you all

I'm back here feeling alone

I've been here a long time now

Waiting all day for tomorrow

Following a dream that waits for me

On a road that's always going

Felt lonesome a long time

And the remedy is at my fingertips

And it won't be the flirt that finds me

For I see none with my eyes

All of those and none of them

Are viewed with these eyes of mine

And knowing of me will never be ours

Until knowing knows itself

When these verse are of your voice

And of a choir are made these rhyme

I've been lonesome for as long as I know

A barren soul houses us all

Though the hue of my vision is distorted

I long for when I meet you outside

This shell can be traveled through

But be wary of what is your method

Gentleness will only do

What we want in the beginning and after

So lonesome for a long time no more



Copyright (c) Joshua Packard 2004

Read more of Joshua's lyrics at JRPSongs.

I  heard her cry as they crumpled their papers
Scattering them over her beautiful floor
I heard her cry as they cut down 10 trees
Then, hundreds and thousands more

I heard her cry as they polluted her waters
With paper, plastic, oil, and cans
I heard her cry as they used that same water
To clean off their dirty hands

I heard her cry as they disturbed the animals
To build structures that polluted her sky
I heard her cry as they kept on going
Without even stopping to say hi.

I heard her cry as she realized their thoughts
Were not of her beauty and wondrous sights
I heard her cry as she fell apart
So they could rise to 'greater' heights

I heard the Earth cry as they paid her no mind
Too busy tending to their daily chores
Did you hear her cry too from all of her strife
Or were you one of those closing their doors?

---

This poem is pretty much self-explanatory. Those familiar with some of my poetry and articles may know that nature and taking care of the Earth is a passion of mine. Sometimes people get so caught up in their normal routine that they don't think about the Earth. There are many things people do, not realizing (or sometimes not caring) just how much impact it has on the planet. I often wish more people would open their doors to an eco-friendly change, so that the Earth might last longer.

Will they? What do you think?

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

Born and raised
Never the same twice
This child tased
With rolls of loaded dice
A grown mind crazed
Never naughty nor nice
His eyes glazed
With a layer of thin ice

Here's the boy
Told not to question
His mind to headway
Into a cliche

The sky it snowed
And from it came hail
Til his eyes showed
Nothing at all

Here's the boy
Beat into attention
His face wiped clean
Of childish gleam

A warm heart
But cold skin
Save the lost boy
Before he breaks again

Here's the boy
Starved into disillusion
And the thought
Of love not taught



Copyright (C) Joshua Packard 2004

A friend you'll always have

A friend always in me

When you're in good or bad weather, in need, or whenever

A friend indeed I will be


For my love is here for everyone

My friendship completely free

No contracts, gimmicks, or strings attached

Just an everlasting guarantee


And all that I show of all that I have

No skin can feel, no eye can see

For not touch nor taste, sight, scent, or sound

Can crack my love's solved mystery


Copyright (C) Joshua Packard 2004

I will always be right here with you

Through Never and Always

When you lose and when you win

Through the thick and through the thin

When in courage and in fear

With your smile and in your tear

Throughout both day and night

And in darkness and in light

Through Never and Always

Beyond the end of my days

You think you think
You hate me, you hate you
And it would please me now, too
To hate you, hate you
Make it easy now to
Hate you, hate you
We've both trodded that road
The long road to nowhere
Cos it won't, it won't work
I saw it, I show it,
You know you wanna know it.

And here it is:
Your beautiful poetry,
It is nothing til you see,
The truth behind your lies.
And what a shoddy disguise,
The blood staining your eyes.

Your eyes
Your eyes

I can see you.
So is it true,
That you can't see me.

You can,
but do you? Understand?
When I say a man is a man.

And take my hand.

Can you hear me?
Do you hear me?

And a man is man.
No word or deed can,
Confuse what I understand,
Because I have a real plan.

Did you go anywhere,
Coz I'm still standing here.
Though we took great care,
Did we take the long road to nowhere


(C) Joshua Packard 2004