come, stay and let's talk. it's a good day to be alive
when the days were dark and silent
when time felt fragile,
I made a promise, after a long talk.
Some time has passed,
but it is good to remember it is there.
to remember the beginning of all
to stay true to the original belief
it is one that I hope to keep.
12.25.2022
it’s a walk free of distraction
neither fame nor shame shall discourage
but brutal honesty and endless effort
will make the way for a life
avoid as many traps as possible
and lead ways for new possibilities.
when you get a chance,
try to walk this walk.
it’ll be hard, but it’ll feel good afterwards
I felt how warm a human presence can be.
although it may have been possible to ignore
and move on with their lives
I am grateful for taking me in as part of family.
the smile, the laughter, and moving stories
although it was just over a cup of coffee
we had much to share, much to celebrate
I want to work hard and meet them again
this was all worth the hardships.
12.23.2022
after facing one too many close calls,
I instinctively sense gripping fear
each night before I get on a flight
there’s too many possibilities
this could go awry.
But I need this.
to know that nothing lasts forever,
to feel there’s nothing to lose
to challenge myself to grow,
I need to go.
Let us stare squarely at what we fear
and learn to grow wise with it.
12.22.2022
clicking through photos of my past,
seeing familiar faces un-aged,
it’s like a thousand ice shards
showering on my chest
did we know then?
that we’d be like this now?
our youthful days,
fearless summers,
marched on courageously,
eventually, into thin air,
and all that is left are these photos.
new youthful faces,
blossoming in places
we used to be;
I am glad for them.
I want them to march on.
I want them to carry their dreams.
I want them to protect their heart,
and carry on with the fire.
the fire we all shared,
the fire we all cherished,
the fire that was brightest of all.
if you know,
just how my heart became alive
with the fire in my heart,
I hope you know how precious it is.
And if I may have any drop of energy
to lend you a hand to protect it
take it. use it. move on.
I’d be a happy soul.
12.21.2022
every step of the way
I don’t know what will happen from it.
one day, I opened a book,
and it changed the way I see the world.
it’s as if colors have become more vibrant,
objects feel more tangible,
and the world made sense.
It’s times like this
that makes it worthwhile the wait.
so, if you are having a hard time,
hang in there.
there will be a day when all will make sense.
there will be a day the grind will be worthwhile.
it’s one more day, another chance, another opportunity.
let’s seize the moment.
why do you wake up in the morning?
I want to remember that intense feeling
I experienced, as I lived my life.
Naked, honest, and real experience
is incomparable to anything formal.
I often forget how close and frequent death is.
fear of it, would rather resemble spiritual death.
live today as if it’s your last, and you’ll live.
run to save your life, and you’re already dead.
12.19.2022
who are you?
subtle hints you drop here and there
always on point, to the essence of the matter
who are you?
there’s one name who comes to my mind
but they have been unresponsive in awhile
should this be a pandora box not to be opened,
I will respect your will,
but my curiosity looms larger each passing day.
who are you?
the way you read through my thoughts
even deeper than I had realized,
and response so thoughtful
I am honestly humbled.
should you remain anonymous,
I will respect your wish,
but I hope at least you know
I am grateful for your presence.
you’ve been a good support for me.
thank you.
12.18.2022
at one point, I realized I forgot my voice.
in repetitive schedules,
I only looked forward for to-do lists and chores.
As I look back, all there are check marks.
black became a color of choice
because of its efficiency for revealing truths
shirts and jeans have become my uniform.
food became way to sustain my life,
not a way of culture.
what is my voice?
in a daily routine where I don’t speak at all
unless I need to,
it slips my mind.
I am curious
where this search will lead me.
12.17.2022
even if you are lifting up a mere pebble
let all your senses focus on its subtle weight
feel it’s existence, acknowledge its presence.
you don’t need to remember all the stars,
but remember this little pebble in your hand.
it is here for you now. you only.
see the world in this pebble.
feel it, acknowledge it.
may you not treat this pebble lightly.
12.16.2022
Ralph with Coffee 
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