Is it the same old me? I fear not. Change is good, but for what? Confusion, indecision cloud my thoughts, I just wonder.. Can good be a loss? Pretentious I was before, Given up that side. I know this is better, but- -others now sigh The ones supposed closest- complain day and night; With their cemented expectations, unable to accept me in new light. It just makes me sad That my happiness hurts you, I know you care for me...

Can I change another's life?Only if I care. Can I change my own?Only if I dare. Can I show another love?Only if I care. Can I love myself?Only if I dare. Can I give away a piece of my heart?Only if I care. Can I repair my own broken heart?Only if I dare. Can I accept who another is?Only if I care. Can I accept who I am?Only if I dare. Can I take someone else's pain away?Only if I care. Can I let go of my own pain?Only if...

Bullyboy skipped lunch. He accomplished what he wanted. Marcia sat confused with the morning's events. She had no idea who did it. It turned out he had an unwitting accomplice who was also a suspect. He knew Rebecca was Marcia's cousin and the school darling. When Marcia arrived, all that disappeared for Rebecca. The logical person for the perpetrator of the prank was Rebecca. Marcia sat alone at lunch. Naomi was out sleu...

Marcia spent the rest of the day looking at her plight. Bullyboy knew she was there. He had not made any threats, but the gestures were bad enough. He ruined her day. School dragged on and Marcia's depression deepened. By the end of the day, she had no will to leave the classroom. Naomi dragged her to her locker and pulled her outside to walk home. "Come on Marcia. Snap out of it. You will be fine. Remember you are strong...

She doesn’t remember it anymore, and that scares her most of all. Fifteen and with the world ahead of her, she didn’t know where she was heading, but it was somewhere. She wore miniskirts and polo shirts, played tennis and was a cheerleader. She was a straight A student headed for success. And that’s what they said. Except she’s 24 now. And she doesn’t know a damn thing. You’d think they’d tell her. But I guess they only...

Summer arrived with high heat and humidity. Being near the Hudson River did not help with the humidity. To escape the heat most families had places on the Jersey shore where the family stayed all summer. Neither Marcia nor Naomi's family had a place like that. The girls endured the summer heat together. Almost daily, they went into the woods. The trees provided a canopy, which shadowed the whole area underneath. It was co...

The classes all sat waiting for the third bell, which signaled the start of the school day. The school went quiet, while it waited for the morning announcements. Before the announcements began, a loud scream echoed through the halls into every room. Soon the putrid smell of a skunk penetrated the air in every classroom. Naomi looked at Marcia and they both smiled trying to contain outright laughter. Of course, they missed...

It was Friday, the weekend before the Spring Concert. Cricket walked home with Naomi to spend the weekend at her house. Naomi planned to have a few friends over for a small party. The girls played in Naomi's room trying to keep her brother out. Her brother always wanted to be around when Marcia was there. After thirty minutes of playful fighting, her brother gave up. Shortly after the family ate dinner, two more friends a...

Goodness, I’m such a caveman. Or perhaps that should be cavekitty. Whatever. I’ve just nommed a can of meatballs in tomato sauce, using a mini combat knife as cutlery. I couldn’t get the ones in gravy, which is a pity because I prefer those ones. Still, tomato is nice enough. Fills a hole, which is really all one can ask. Whoo! I’m going back to college. I’ll be wholeheartedly honest, it’s a prospect that excites me and a...

To love is ... To accept someone for their differences, as well as their similarities; To love is ... To hold them in your heart, even when you can't hold them in your arms; To love is ... To forgive and forget and move on, instead of moving on and forgetting to forgive; To love is ... To allow different interests to compliment who you are together, instead of complicating who you are seperately; To love is ... To grow to...

Once we were friends We spoke every day. Then you disappeared, Simply, went away. Where did you go? Why did you leave? I miss you my friend For you I grieve. I only hope And I each day I pray, That you are well Demons kept at bay. If you ever decide That you need to talk, You know I’ll be there Willing to be your rock. As long as you’re happy That’s all that I care If ever you need me Please know, I’ll be there.

Why change anything in your life? Who cares about being happy? We just keep going around and around in circles Never getting anywhere Complaining and whining about how bad our lives are. Talking about how crappy things are Nobody gives us a chance. Life hands us all the same cards. Some of us play them quickly and carelessly Others hold on to them. Some play close to the vest, Patiently playing the game Waiting until the...

Marcia's mom hurried to Sarah's summerhouse and ran inside. Marcia sat on the couch with her feet up and a damp cloth on her forehead. The rest of the guests sat on the floor and watched, as Marcia moaned and held her stomach. It appeared that she took a wee bit too much ipecac and now suffered from the effects. Her mom looked at her and shook her head. "Let's get you home, young lady and into bed. Your friends can come w...

Deceitful sight, we are lost, out of place, Soulful nature, enfolded with beauty and grace, Eyes shut, breath deep… exhale, Change has come, delightful embrace, We are one, nature - Mother Earth.

The man in the mirror Who’s looking at you He’s wanting to change To start life anew Once life was easy He learned and he played He went off to college His ticket was paid Somehow or another Things went so wrong Never meant it to happen But he knew all along The things that you do The things that you say Can push the people You love far away He just can’t keep going This way anymore Mistakes that he’s made Have become suc...