Thanksgiving
Massive
Spread
Turkey
Potatoes
Beans
Stuffing
Gravy
Pies
Pies
Pies
Fell
Asleep
Food
Coma
Woke
Up
Next
Day
Sore
Head
Full
Belly
Starting
Diet
Today
Open
Refridgerator
Leftovers
One
Bite
Fill
Plate
Microwave
Hot
Meal
Belly
Bursting
Damage
Done
Diet
Tomorrow
Or
Later
Maybe
After
Christmas
Dreamy waters
Melting sky
Time slows
Dinner reservation for five
A close family affair
The menu was extensive
Crafty cocktails and clinking glasses
While browsing the options
Tapas was the obvious choice
Everybody got to choose a dish
Plates circulated for sharing
We broke brotherly bread together
Ogled at the oily olives
Family style friendly fun feasting frenzy
Wine lubricated the conversation
Small plates came in waves
Anchovies delicately drowned in olive oil
An octopus danced in a secret sauce
Creamy cod cased in crunchy croquetas
Aromatic artichoke artistically arranged
Pomegranates permeated the precious salad
Giant shrimp swam in garlic infested oily seas
Fried potatoes played hide and seek beneath a spicy rich sauce
Then a welcome pause
Digestion and delightful conversation ensued
Time passed slowly
Finally the desserts arrived
Cheese cake and a chocolate gateau competed gracefully
We each took a tasty morsel from both plates
The contest was truly a tasteful tie
Three hours had passed in a gastronomic flash
Family bonds became tighter than our waistbands
Taking tapas home in our treasured memory banks
Many a dark evening
Gathering outside with friends
Around a fire pit
Adult beverages flowing
Somebody claims control
To feed and poke the fire
Sending sparks into the air
Amid the billowing smoke
The flames are mesmerizing
Everybody chips in
With ideas when to feed the beast
The fire takes center stage
As we all debate the plot
In this open air theatre
Chairs in a circle
Crafty folk arrive early
Claiming the upwind places
Hoping to avoid the smoke
But the fire is boss
Commanding the breeze
It changes at his will
Sending sooty hot gases everywhere
Nobody escapes the fumes
We all go home reeking of soot
This days are no more
For now we have a gas fire pit
No need to gather piles of wood
No more lighting ritual
No more fire master battles
It lights with a button
The flames burn bright and hot
Without emitting smoke
We still sit in a circle
Adult beverages flow as before
The flames are equally hypnotic
Conversation is just as intense as before
Nobody talks about the old days
But our minds drift back
To those nights of man made fires
The constant poking and meddling
As we battled to master the beast
Who has now been tamed by a gas valve
There is however one huge bonus
Its so nice to wake up the next morning
Without that smokey fragrance clinging to you
Great beast of South Florida
Meandering through bays
Searching for food
You have no natural enemies
Causing no harm to others
Moving slowly like underwater grazing cows
Gracefully surfacing for air
Revealing your immense size
And your battle scarred back
Viciously hacked by passing boats
Their propellers show no mercy
Creating savage wounds sometimes fatal
But you never fight back
You hold no grudges
Against those who maim you
Mankind is unkind
Invading your habitat
Stealing your lands
Polluting your food supply
You were here long before us
You endure our bad behavior
Patiently waiting for humans to die off
You shall one day reclaim your kingdom
Without a fight
She opened her suitcase
It was toppling from her terrific trip
She unpacked slowly
Savoring the stupid souvenirs
Laughing at the ludicrous laundry
Smiling at the soiled socks
Unfazed by the unpleasant underwear
Sniggering over the sweaty swimsuit
Jealous of the jumbled jacket
Purring over the pretty pants
Skittish with her somber skirts
Howling at the hilarious hats
Shocked by her sexy shoes
Drooling over her delightful dresses
Scowling at her sensual slinky suits
Tinkering with her tedious toiletries
Manic about her many medications
Alarmed by the audacious alcoholic beverages
Then she found a note
His name and phone number
Drunken memories flashed by
He must have dropped it in her suitcase
Before his walk of shame back home last night
She picked up the note and paused
Terrified to toss it into the trash
She stashed it in a safe place
Considering cold calling
Try a timid text tomorrow
Was he really that good looking
Were his feelings solid and sincere
Would he even remember her
She sent a short sharp text
He answered immediately
Please come back soon for more loving
She started to repack the suitcase
I miss the times when you were with me
We laughed and played so often
There was no room for fear in my life
Mr. Loneliness was shut outside in the cold
I miss the sound of your sweet voice
It brought a smile to my face
Sadness bounced off that smile
Nothing could take my smile away
I miss the way you looked at me
Your eyes spoke volumes of love
I never saw bad things in your gaze
I resisted blinking to savor those moments
I miss your whispered stories
Tales of adventure and discovery
I clung onto every word
Other voices fell silent on my deaf ears
I miss your gentle touch
Holding my hand firm but lovingly
It was always warm and comforting
The touch from others was always ice cold
I miss watching you sleeping
Listening to your breath
Waiting for your wakening smile
That guaranteed good morning kiss
Those times when we were apart
Were filled with anticipation
My emotions were frozen
I put my life on pause until your return
And one day you never came back
My frozen emotions melted by hot tears
Fear and sadness rushed into my empty life
I am too weak to evict them from my soul
My eyes are tired from searching for you
My ears weary from listening for you
My hand is numb waiting for your touch
I miss you
Despite the doom and gloom spread by news media, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about our future.
Here are a few reasons.
Advances in Medicine: Innovations like gene editing, immunotherapy, and AI-powered diagnostics are revolutionizing healthcare, improving lives, and extending lifespans.
Environmental Progress: Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are rapidly growing, helping to reduce carbon emissions globally.
Global Collaboration: International efforts such as climate summits and global health initiatives demonstrate humanity’s ability to unite for common goals.
Technological Innovations: Breakthroughs in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum computing continue to solve complex problems and improve daily life.
Rising Awareness: More people are becoming educated about issues like mental health, sustainability, and social justice, leading to meaningful change.
Cures and Vaccines: Diseases once considered incurable are now manageable or preventable, and vaccine development has accelerated tremendously.
Space Exploration: Exciting missions to Mars, moon colonies, and the search for extraterrestrial life inspire wonder and innovation.
Youth Activism: Young people are leading movements for climate action, equality, and innovation, bringing fresh ideas to old challenges.
Global Connectivity: The internet and social media connect people across the globe, fostering understanding and collaboration.
Education Accessibility: Online learning platforms and scholarships are making education accessible to millions worldwide.
Decline in Poverty: Global poverty rates have declined significantly over the past few decades due to economic growth and targeted programs.
Innovations in Agriculture: Advances like vertical farming and drought-resistant crops promise to combat hunger and food insecurity.
Scientific Discoveries: From understanding the human brain to mapping the universe, science continues to unlock awe-inspiring mysteries.
Resilient Ecosystems: Conservation efforts are leading to the recovery of endangered species and ecosystems.
Humanitarian Efforts: Grassroots organizations and global NGOs are addressing crises with compassion and effectiveness.
Energy Independence: Green technologies like hydrogen fuel and battery innovations promise a cleaner, self-sustaining future.
Cultural Exchange: Art, music, and literature from diverse cultures are becoming more accessible, fostering global appreciation and unity.
Mental Health Progress: Growing conversations and resources for mental health are breaking stigmas and helping people lead fulfilling lives.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Startups and innovations continue to emerge, solving challenges and creating jobs.
Human Resilience: History shows that humanity has overcome immense challenges, proving our capacity for adaptation and growth.
The marina was full of sailboats
All sleeping sound at night
Most of them on permanent moorings
A few were overnight visitors
They were the ones who woke up first
Chatting incessantly at dawn
Speculating if the sunrise would be special today
The long timers were not amused
Its only a sunrise
We get them here most days
Not worth waking up for
Keep down the chatter
Some of use want to sleep more
The visitors ignored them
Wow look at that big sky
The clouds are lit up orange and purple
Lets turn to watch the sunrise
They were in awe of the spectacle
The rising orange sun floated on the horizon
Was it under the ocean all night
Did the sun just wake up too
Does the sun make these colors for fun
Is he in awe looking at us
This could never get tiring
The sun rose higher and the colors faded away
Soon it was all over with dull cloudy skies
Wow that was amazing
You resident sail boats are so lucky
You should all we waking early daily to watch this
The residents were totally unfazed
Go back to sleep
It was only a sunrise
You need to rest more
We have a hard day of sailing ahead
The wind started to pick up
Chopping up the surface of the bay
A few early sailers appeared
Rolling down sails in preparation
The newcomers were excited
Oh we get to explore this bay
Maybe we will see dolphins
Lets see who can sail fastest
I will win today
The residents were not amused
Why do they let visitors moor here
They always wake up too early
Its was just another sunrise
My sails are still tired from racing yesterday
A few hours later
All the visitors were away sailing
The remaining residents dozed
Peace at last
Thank goodness they left
I hope they all sink today
There was however one dissenter
I am glad they woke us early
Sunrise was truly incredible today
Having travelled extensively for the last month or so
There are a three things that I have learned
Travel certainly does broaden the mind
Cruising certainly does broaden the waistline
The Cheeky Monkey must start dieting
Cheeky Monkey Poetry 