We survive

burdened with the
thoughts of mundane,
mind can not perceive
what lies in front,
eyes see garbage
where roses bloom.
alas, such are the
ways of life
we need to do,
to survive.
we dream,
and then see
them shattered,
the heart bleeds,
while the eyes
run dry.
we survive.
we survive,
at what cost?

Uninvited guest

Update:

Edwin Alvarez was the kid I wrote about in my poem below today.  Please read the request below from his friends trying to arrange for his funeral.

“Hey guys. I believe everyone is aware already that on Friday night there was a boating accident after which our friend Edwin unfortunately passed away. I don’t know however, if everyone is aware that he comes from a very humble family and I don’t know up to what point they relied on Edwin’s income. As far as I know, he was paying for his brother’s education, bootstrapping a business with his dad who works in construction and looking for ways to also help his mother, who is a maid, to find an alternate source of income.
Needless to say this is a life-altering situation that is going to be incredibly difficult for his family to overcome. Eduardo (one of Edwin’s friends who helped us contact his family), started a GoFundMe to help them out with the funeral expenses. Any help will surely be greatly appreciated. Here’s the link https://gf.me/u/ykvm62 . He also mentioned that Oscar (Edwin’s brother) is already aware of this effort.”

I write about current events, my poems are fiction, penned during my flights of imagination. The poem below is based on a tragedy that happened two nights ago.  A young soul was called back too soon by the Lord.  He was my son’s friend.  I never met him but heard about him from my son. A hard working, honest, fun loving friendly guy.  These are the times one questions, why? Why?  I guess there is no answer.

a day in a life of hope

started with fun and frolic,

a boat ride down the river,

azure summer sky pierced

with laughter and singing.

sun moved slowly

to the western sky,

Peace, a pipe dream

for a promise of safety tomorrow

given up our freedom to be happy today

couching our cowardice as god’s will

in silence of thought we seek redemption

spines turned to jelly in submission

we dream of the day of judgement

of standing erect with sins forgiven

foolish are we to think that our deeds

to please the tyrants will go unnoticed

we, who have lulled ourselves to sleep

with our acquiescence to deed of servitude

feel betrayed with neither safety nor salvation

and peace remained a pipe dream, oblivion

Shattered dreams of Super Bee Man

I was stung by a bee
Yesterday after lunch
I was hoping when
I get up in the morning
A new superhero will be born
The amazing Bee Man
Floating like a butterfly
And stinging like a bee
Alas, only lingering effect
A sight dull pain
Neither can I float
Nor can I sting
Shattered lies my dream
Of being Super Bee Man
Oh, if only I would have left
The stinger in place
And not pick it out
Of my flesh
I could have written
About the exploits of
Super Bee Man

Sometimes dreams do come true

Woke up from my dream

And found my love

On my chest

Sleeping blissfully

Unaware of the trip

We just took

Through space time

Let her lie

Must be tired

After the long journey

And I will be ready

For the next trip

Wherever love takes us

Sometimes dreams do come true

Is she dreaming now

Friday Haiku: Dreaming of Heaven

Dreaming  of heaven

All nonbelievers to hell

Faithful cries out loud

*****

Only one I see

A heaven on earth for all

Heaven is sterile

*****

The light shines on me

You  have colors of the rainbow

Why need monochrome

***

Light everywhere

One and same for all creatures

The fools disagree

*****

An wink and a smile

Embrace the diversity

Heaven, dream no more

Searching for Muse lost

Was it that long ago, by

The south seas

Warm waves crashing,

Bursting bubbles caressing

I do not write anymore

Words have not deserted me,
But I fail to convince myself
That they matter.
I do not write anymore.

I do not dream anymore

I do not dream anymore
Dreams,not achieved
Do not bother
And ruin my days
Know what will be said
Labels will be assigned
Disappointment, failure
Underachiever, indifferent

I do not dream anymore
Just so that you know
Have left those days behind
When I used to see
The reflection in the mirror
And not recognize the face
Looking back at me
A face defined by others

I do not dream anymore
Made peace with myself
No need to look at the mirror
Because I know in my heart
I will like what I will see

I do not dream anymore
Dreams that probably
Were not mine
To begin with
But hope, I still hope
And I know that
I will be able to live
Without my dreams
And make a life of it

I do not dream anymore
Now that learnt to love myself
I  learnt to love
And share my love
Without fear of
Acceptance or rejection
I do not dream anymore

Fifteen Minutes of Fame had No Name

This is my first attempt at writing short story.  Constructive feedback and comments appreciated.

The dream keeps coming back to haunt him.  Digging a hole, he lies down peacefully waiting for death to come.  He is not sure why this dream bothers him anymore.