come, stay and let's talk. it's a good day to be alive
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
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
I made a bet once.
I would take a leap over a broken bridge,
try my luck,
and see if I can get to the other side so prized
“it’s all or nothing”
“you only live once”
we’re among the phrases I muttered
before I leapt.
for a moment I felt I was flying.
but now
the crowd went silent,
I don’t sense any gravity,
and I don’t feel anything.
I wonder if I had fell and submerged.
floating along a flowing river
but who knows, I might have made it.
I just have to wake up from this dream
and seize the day once again.
It’d be nice if someone remembered me
whether it’s from this dream or the other side.
12.15.2022
whether you like it or not
the world matches on
whether you do what you want
or what you think you should do
the world accepts and move on.
so what do you want in this world?
not in ten years, next month, or tomorrow
right now, what do you want your life to be?
what do you wake up for?
no more excuse.
right now, what is your dream?
run for it now.
run.
12.14.2022
occasionally, when I think of something embarrassing,
I impulsively imagine lifting up a stick of cigarette
dragging in a cool-hot, bitter-sour smoke,
somehow it’s the pain that relieves the pain.
yet it won’t be till my deathbed I’ll lit another one.
a white pebble of mint will do for now
crushing it with my molar teeth
let the flash of cool flame quench the impulse
and forget the shame, burying it further back
into a darker corner of my memory
hoping it won’t resurface.
but when it does,
the impulse kicks in
flooding like saliva
of a Pavlovian dog
like Sisyphus,
we push it back
to have it roll back at us again.
a mint will do for now.
12.13.2022
why is it so hard to say “I love you”
when I am plunged in the work?
To have a space for a moment
and sit down next to you and say,
“I truly feel connected to you,”
is what I want to say, instead of
harangue about self-growth and discipline.
In my own, unconventional way,
I hope, this will reach you, some day.
wherever you are,
I wish you love.
12.13.2022
it’s as if traveling multiple world at once
the scent of lamb barbecue
the smirk as the hand picks an orange from a tree
the crease around the eye against the sunset
the lukewarm orange street light
under the silent purple-grey cloudy sky
as sweet cherry blossoms scatter & float in air
a pair of kittens under a luminescent advertisement
the unforgiving sun,
the waist high snow plow
all is remembered
so vividly,
simultaneously
felt.
it’s
a lonely walk
through
this
universe.
12.12.2022
It’s my first time living my life
I don’t know what tomorrow brings
so if I am rude at times
please understand I also have shortcomings
I try and see the world as good
sharing as best as I might
hoping for better future as anyone would
daring to live life with a fight
so bear with me when I am a grump
I will sleep on it and become a better chum
12.11.2022
I do apologize
for my sleep deprived ramblings
I needed an outlet,
but I went tidbit too far
I am grateful for your kind heart
and share your earnest thoughts and tips
Thank you for sharing your time
your presence has been felt,
and I do not treat it lightly.
Should you require a pair of ears
that will open to your own outlet
I promise, mine are booked for your needs.
Now that my eyes are clear,
I see how kind you were.
I am grateful for unprompted generosity
and will repay in kind.
I hope the night is treating you well
and the morning greets you warmly.
12.10.2022
Ralph with Coffee 
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