Manatees patiently waiting

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

Holiday romance

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 you

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

Plenty of reasons to be optimistic

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.

Marina sunrise

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

Things you only notice when crossing the pond

Things that Europeans notice when visiting the United States

Everything is measured in ‘old’ units

Public bathroom doors have huge gaps

Meal portions are huge

People take food home from restaurants, frowned upon in Europe

American flags are everywhere

Service staff are badly paid and need tips to survive

Dwellings are so much bigger

Cars are bigger and guzzle gas

Everybody says thank you

Mail is left in the street in an open mailbox

Dollar bills of all denominations are the same size and color

Drinking age of 21 is the highest in the world

………………………………………

Americans notice these when visiting Europe

Hotel rooms generally much smaller

No electrical outlets in bathrooms

Culture is different in each European country- food, language, traditions, landscapes, architecture etc

Washing machines are smaller and dryers are not universal, people mostly air laundry dry

Stereotypes are not true, French people are typically friendly. Most Europeans speak English and are not offended if you don’t speak their language

Cities are much more walkable

Public transport is extensive and easily accessible

Most public toilets charge a small fee

Drinks are served without ice

People eat dinner later

Meals are not rushed and you have to ask for the bill

Food quality in Europe is excellent

Sow some friendship seeds today

Everybody is on a journey in life

We all have struggles and obstacles to overcome

Other’s struggles are not always obvious when you first meet them

People develop incredible skills to hide their problems from view

If you show kindness and compassion to others it will certainly help them

Even if they don’t acknowledge it

Pay it forward every day

Sometimes you will get it paid back

Be bold and show your appreciation for the kindness of others

Its the seed that can sow a friendship

Happy paying it forward day

Happy seed sowing day

Happy friendship harvesting day