Fog is cool to run in.
No one can see you
unless they’re close
enough to say
hello.
Sounds of geese
take on a sudden
importance.
All of my energy
went to my
other senses.
The sun, determined
to break my spell
of euphoria
finally succeeded.
Just slow down. What’s the big
problem? If you fill your life
to overflowing, bursting at
the seams with activity, you won’t
even get to know who you are–
become acquainted with
yourself.
What you like, what you really
feel, and believe.
I shouldn’t try to make
life so complicated. It’s
simple. It’s in the moment,
not in my mind which
is usually not in the
moment.
Enjoying the simple
pleasures of life–such
a trite phrase, but you
need go no further than
that and have things
turn out just fine.
No regrets–
if you’re there
when it’s there.
I wish there was someone
to lay with
now that I’m ready…
Why didn’t I think
of friendship before?
now that I’m 3 qts. low
on the essential oil
for smooth performance
and to keep my vehicle
from self-incinerating.
Such a steamy passion
envelops my being.
I come with a body
the spirit takes care
of itself normally
the body has to
seek out its needs
and make them
known to another
in love and embrace
cuddle until two
become one
being going
with the flow
of love and
passion.
Photography © Dennis Frates Photography http://www.fratesphoto.com/
The days are like steps
leading upward
mostly
strengthening
invigorating
discovering.
I could also
burrow
and find just
as much adventure
probably
but they seem to
lead up.
I’m giving up
trying to predict
or in any sense
control any outcome
I may wish.
Sure, I want some
things, but not
rigidly.
So, I know I’ll
only find what’s
there when I get
there.
Fall colored aspen leaf and rose hip. Montana
Photography © Dennis Frates Photography http://www.fratesphoto.com/
In third grade you
start wondering:
how far can you go?
They heard about
other dimensions.
How do we get there?
Are they really there?
What about time
travel?
It’s not just the
thing of movies
anymore, a
fantasy. They
want to build a
time machine
if that’s what it
takes to get out
of third grade
or their neighborhood.
This isn’t on the
curriculum, but
I try to answer
their questions
and at least
get them thinking.
I can only be myself.
There is no other way to go, to figure
out a better way to live.
Whatever I’m feeling in the
moment
is what is “true” for me at that
instant.
And from there I proceed.
Sometimes I really lose my way.
Confused & helpless, I don’t
know what I want to do
even next.
I muddle through those
days & hours
without a vision of what
I thought was still possible.
They’re only times to go through.
Passing through a storm
lasts until the storm stops.
Eventually it does.
It will come again, don’t worry.
But for now the skies are
clearing & a new day is
dawning.
Wood Duck in pond at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens. Oregon
Photography © Dennis Frates Photography http://www.fratesphoto.com/
Look away
Look around
We are the ones
We’ve been found
We’ve taken the
long way, waited
without a sound.
Hello World out there!
Our voice is getting
louder, everywhere.
See the lights of the
ones who are shining.
We’ve been waiting.
Our turn is now, it
has come
to take back the stage
acknowledged
knighted
crowned.
Photography © Dennis Frates Photography http://www.fratesphoto.com/
I can only go one day at a time.
One step at a time.
If I try to over-analyze it,
I come up with mush.
My mind needs a rest.
So does my body.
I write because I can.
I can only live one moment
at a time,
so it’s wise to be present as fully as
I can in that one moment.
The future will come.
The past is buried & gone.
Dead.
No one wants to relive it.
You can’t, so don’t even
think about it.
Today it’s quiet. Ear ringing
computer humming and
all else is not assaulting
my senses.
Peace be to you, to me.
We all need a little more
peace than we presently
have, so look to take on
more whenever it is offered
by the universe who knows
you need a lot of it, in today’s
world esp.
One day at a time your peace is
allotted, and you are rich.
Revel in that. Celebrate it.
I made it! All the way through the day
to the page.
Empty and waiting
whereas the day seemed full
and waiting
but at night, the world tones down
slows
almost stops
it gives you a chance to
harmonize with its reduced
pace, the cover of peace
that blankets the evening hrs.
of bedtime reading
quiet conversation
writing this.
My brain is let off the
hook
only I choose to engage
its processes in writing
and imagination
which is really just recording
my thoughts
& feelings
about being here,
now
not even having
to write another word.
Just be on the page with the
flow of thoughts carrying
me forward
remaining in the now.
Sunset in Hanalei Bay with mangrove tree. Kauai, Hawaii
Photography © Dennis Frates Photography http://www.fratesphoto.com/
People help me when I need help.
Of course, it’s helpful to ask for it.
Not everyone will know you need
help.
Not to chase after it
but if you need something
like this writing
to calm down
then do it
and let the unsure,
scary feelings pass
out of you.
They will go.
Just because there’s a little
pressure that is new
is not a reason to
cash in all your chips
and go home.
Keep going in the
direction you’re going in.
There’s no reason to
give up making
‘conscious’ forward
progress.
