Returning to what soothes me,
Knowing I’ve been there before.
Feeling the salty air on my neck,
Proves a longing I can’t ignore.
Sea captain living with the horizon,
Maybe it’s time you come ashore.
Tag Archives: Travel
Address Unknown
Exhaling into a calm afternoon
Daydreaming of a fantasy adventure
A place where we can be together
Address unknown, and preferred
Driving Away (Haiku)
Vacation over
Writing emotions, draining
The grass is greener
*****
I cannot believe my vacation and five weeks back home are finished already. They flew past me in a gust of regret, it seems. I mean this in the most positive of way, of course.
Left wishing I’d taken more time and less time, as well. Regretting that I did too much, yet too little, of everything.
Left words unsaid, and said words I shouldn’t have allowed out of my mouth. Basically, I lived, as we all do, wishing I’d tried differently without changing a thing.
I love my family, my hometown, my memories new and old, the best of new opportunities, and the thrill of this adventure. My hope for this trip was to come to terms with yesterday’s regret. I’m sure I didn’t do that, however, I found peace in knowing I never will.
Sadly, I leave Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma a different woman, yet again. Tomorrow I’ll drive the large state of Texas from top to bottom and then I’ll rest. Wave, if you see a white Dodge Charger. It’ll be me. The tired lady who stayed in the Midwest a bit too long, but even now resists the urge to turn her car back around.
Sweet Dreams
Hushed tones
Wait patiently
Two words
I shall
Crave anxiously
Sweet dreams
Sleep tight
Good night
My dear
I’ll wait
Right here
For eternity
My Welcome Home
Elevation’s strayed daughter
Devotedly arrives home
Following cloudy pleas
Fiercest welcome, beckoning
Wilderness claims her willingly
A foggy, earthy morning
Whispers her name adoringly
Let’s Go
The beginning of this day,
Overwhelms me.
One more long drive,
Ahead of me.
The final payoff,
Unconditional love.
Up early to fill my lungs,
With cool Oklahoma air,
My mind wonders to you.
Your contagious laugh.
How the magical sound,
Must create a sparkle,
In a beauty’s eyes, without effort.
You make me smile as I reflect,
Easing me into my rewarding day.
You’re beside me as I drive,
Towards home,
All I’ve ever known.
Good morning,
I’m ready,
Let’s go.
Nebraska
Good-bye Texas
I’m driving north
Nebraska bound
Towards a Throwback
Aksarben Vacation
Ready Set Go
Fields of green
Corn growing
Thunderstorms
All welcoming me home
Midwest community
Full of cowboys
Hired hands
Farmers
White collar
Professionals
Many wives and mothers
All the best of friends
Each one
Hardworking
The best of America’s breed
I can’t wait to begin
The transition of feeling
At home and complete
With extended family
Simple redheaded lady
Not much does she need
Just this small town
1, 200 childhood friends
To hug and greet
I’d take you
I think you’d fit in easily
We’ll take nothing too seriously
Over coffee maybe have
Deep conversations
About politics, weather and war
Some of them eyeing you
New person full of strange behaviors
You’d see the beauty
As we walk down main street
Spend evenings by the creek
Bottles of Jim Beam
Laughter
Making memories
I’d show you
Everything
A Moment Ago
“Well, I don’t think you should look at life like that, honestly.”
“How should I look at change then, Darling? Isn’t this view amazing? Think about how wonderful star gazing would be from this spot.”
“I’d rather discuss what you surprised me with a moment ago.”
“You seem rather proud of yourself, Handsome.”
“I’m proud of you, actually. ”
“I was thinking we should buy this place.”
“I agree. Earlier, when you had your hand in my pocket teasing me, I had visions of your naked body right here.”
“Ahh, and now here I am.”
“Yes, isn’t that the strangest coincidence, Love.”
“You always could get me to do anything, you know.”
“Let’s just remember who was naked first, shall we?”
Becoming One
This morning’s first breath is of you
I Close my eyes, you move inside me
Body at attention I long for your touch
Thoughts of unconditional love
Surround my soul allowing me to feel
The moment I begin to desire all of you
Becoming one with myself, I breathe
Bringing you along with me
My heartbeat
Wishing Clouds
Can we, count and wish
On clouds, like we do stars
Would we, be granted the love
We need, then flown to places
Far away, to catch the one
We love, while they’re still sleeping
Kissing them, wide awake
The Road Home
Yes, you found it,
This is the road,
The one that’ll take me home.
Country girl,
With a heart for rock-n-roll.
Listening to your music,
Takes me there again,
Dark rooms with neon lights.
Strings that soothe,
The tremors at night.
Being swept away to a beat,
Fuels a passion inside me.
Drinks which prove,
A bleeding heart,
Will do just about anything.
Dance with you and with him,
Either way I lose myself with them.
This time I’m wiser,
I know what I want.
Leadership,
On the dance floor.
Submission,
To a higher power.
A desire,
With swift awakenings.
Wrap me in your lyrics,
Teach me with your strings,
Let’s dance.
Allowing, your lead.
Kindred Spirit
Thank you
For rising
Through
Even when you
Can’t find a way
To see past
Your dark days
Furthermore
Thank you
For believing me
When I say
I need you
I trust you
I feel you
Without a doubt
Allow me to
Illuminate your soul
I love you
Kindred spirit
If truth be told
Trail (Haibun)
I took a drive to the island. With more willingness than I thought possible of myself, I approached an unsafe area opting to stop and park. Not the best area to be alone in, yet I walked. Fear didn’t fill me. Strange. I’ve always been scared. I took pictures of brokenness everywhere. Randomly. I left. I drove away feeling slightly amused that nothing dangerous had happened. Silly girl, usually afraid of her own shadow.
The ferry took me over to the peninsula, and not many people were headed there so late in the day. My white Charger parked in the middle row, as if allowing the other cars on board to hug her tightly. I climbed the stairs, stood outside, and allowed the wind to blow through my hair. Where did I think I was going? I smelled the salty air. I closed my eyes. I was in pursuit. Not of myself, really, but of myself, truly.
I drove the main road for miles, listened to John Legend’s You And I on repeat, then I abruptly decided to stop the car. I placed my flip-flops on the hood and proceeded to wonder while walking the beach, I read the waves and settled my brain.
Following closely
Seashells show the journey long
Get me out of here
(I completely understand that the pronoun ‘I’ isn’t normally used in the Haibun prose, but I couldn’t keep from using it. Hope it doesn’t ruin the effort.) Critics are welcome! Please…
The Texas Twirl
Resisting the twirl
Rhythmical skirt adorns
Texas beach her home
Join Me
Adventure awaits
Today the island beckons
Walking the quiet beaches
Looking beyond the calms
To a bright new world
Feeling stronger already
In your arms
Yuan-fen 缘分
For my friend, Randall, the Oregon Cowboy, one man in pursuit of his 缘分 (yuan-fen). My hope is that I have a small piece of you, Randall, figured out. My prayer will be safe travels for you always in China. May you find all that your heart and hard work are leading you towards. Take this poem and make it yours.
~ Audrey
Craving emotion found in poetry
You found me
You’ve seen my soul
Now, let me see yours
I’d love to know
What joy is found in yuan-fen 缘分
Small town boy
You’ve caught my attention, my passion
Yuan-fen links destiny and action
Devine thoughts, Oregon cowboy
Your mind awaits fate’s reaction
Could these two dance, forever after
I understand, pre-ordained
The life we have been given
I too, seek reaction
A constant flow
You say destiny waits on me
The answers, humanity holds
You’re reaction waits on you, too
Humanity needs a push
How about you
What are we left to conclude
Choose to take
Offer to forgo
The path defined by yuan-fen 缘分
Yuan 缘 pulls two souls together
Fen 分 the depths of hard work
A journey of enlightenment
A cowboy with a camera
Traveler, who are you
Mysterious
Kindred
Moving towards self discovery
Mighty diligence of pursuits
A heart similar to mine
The great unknown
Powerful
Alive, yet hidden in mystery
Trust without fear
Bravery, you inspire me
Are you comfortable with your soul
Leading through such amazing photos
A fated life worth the work
Deeper than simplicities
Choices never ending
Our object of selection
Must be proven by our path
Says your ancient Chinese, yuan-fen symbols
We must relax
You have it all figured out, Photographer
Philosopher, owner of an extraordinary mind
Own it
Believe it
Sell it to me straight
Impressive expression, solo rider
Your art, like mine,
Quite a solitary life
Single soulful being,
In the pursuit of a dream
Yuan-fen your motivator
Karma, your powerful stream
Photographer, you help me to believe
Dinner With Friends
Now, as you all know, I’m happy to help my family and friends in any way I can, and usually do. Since you know this of me, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I agreed to go to dinner, a few dinners ago, with my dear friend Professor VJ Duke.
Duke rang me recently to help sort a crisis, one of which he was, completely responsible for creating. The situation had quickly become a problem or dadblamery, as he explained it. The crisis, a woman by the name of Amelia, needed to be dealt with swiftly. Well, just have a look for yourself:
(Stop by The Punchy Lands!, have a look around, and leave the professor a note. You are a click away from an amazing video that explains what he and the MicP Studios Team have worked tirelessly to create. You won’t be disappointed. I love their characters more and more every day. Click here to go straight to the professor’s side of the story.)
[This story was co-written by Professor VJ Duke & Audrey Dawn]
***
The Professor and Amelia—Act 4 of the War
And the professor went out to dinner with Amelia.
I brought my good friend Audrey Dawn along, as well.
Amelia might have been unhappy—I’m was unsure about that, however. (When you can’t see a person’s eyes it’s hard to see what’s up and what’s down. And Amelia’s eyes are always…shadowy.)
Then, the professor suddenly got up and left the table.
“So, how long have you known the professor?” Amelia asked Audrey.
“This professor, Amelia? Not long, only seven months. You’ve known him much longer than I have, yet, you still don’t really understand him. Do you?” Audrey prompted knowing the professor could be back at any moment.
“Of course I understand him!” Amelia snapped. “I knew him when he was quite small. He was stranger then—if you can believe that. He likes to believe he’s free and protected.” Amelia laughed a bit.
“I’ll warn you now, Amelia, snapping at someone gets you nowhere, and quickly,” Audrey said, trying to help little bits. “Strange is relatively relative, wouldn’t you say? What does a million years ago have to do with Duke now, Amelia? What do you mean by free?” Audrey asked.
“Don’t be small-minded, dear. The Duke then is the same as the Duke now. The differences are so slight we might as well forget them. Free, as in he’s not tied down. And what do you mean, snapping?”
“Just a minute, Amelia,” Audrey interrupts while holding her hand up. “Good Afternoon, Thom, good to see you working today,” said Audrey while touching the waiter’s arm affectionately, the gesture wasn’t lost on Amelia. “Duke stepped out for a moment, you know how busy he stays. He’ll take a tart lemonade, lots of ice, and I’ll take my usual, as well. Amelia, anything I can have Thom get for you?” Audrey asks sweetly.
“No,” Amelia answered angrily. “I want to know where VJ went.”
“Amelia? Why are you so angry? Thank you, Thom. ” Audrey called out to the disheveled waiter. ” VJ, as you call him, stepped out for a minute. Has Duke upset you in some way?”
Thom mumbled some dadblamery and disappeared.
Amelia looked away. “Yes. He can be very rude, you know. But I don’t think he means it.”
“Amelia, of course he doesn’t want to be mean to you, exactly. You need to see through his words a bit, into their meaning, which will allow you to see him as he truly is, ” Audrey explained. “Are you interested in dating VJ? Maybe he isn’t available for that sort of relationship, my dear. I know you said he was free, but have you asked him, it’s possible that he’s already taken. We both know how secretive he can be about his life.”
Amelia just stared at Audrey. “You’ve suddenly depressed me. It’s stuffy in here. I need air. VJ is too…dull…to be left in control of his own life.”
And at that moment, the professor came in.
“There you are, Duke. Amelia and I were just talking about you,” Audrey welcomed, as she looked into his eyes for comfort.
The professor winked twice or thrice.
Audrey turned her attention back to Amelia.
“I’m sorry. Did I say something to upset you, Amelia? Let’s move outside, Duke. Amelia needs fresh air, and I quite agree.”
“It’s somewhat warm and somewhat cold out here,” the professor warned.
Amelia ignored the comment. “Audrey was telling me, P.VJ, that you should go out with me more often. Isn’t that right, Audrey?” Amelia glanced at Audrey warningly.
“Well, I…” Audrey eyed Amelia coolly.
“I expressed doubt that the two of you were a good fit, if you weren’t going to take the time to appreciate him, Amelia. Don’t twist my words.”
The professor looked from Amelia to Audrey and from Audrey to Amelia. “Ladies, perhaps we should try our best to be geckos. They can sing—and climb.”
“See?” Amelia said turning to Audrey. “He’s always saying something stupid.”
Audrey looks to the professor with her eyes sparkling bright, “Speaking of geckos, Duke, I need to get to class. The children and I are hunting for them again today, so sweet of you to remind me.”
The professor smiled bigly big. “Yes, yes, don’t let me keep you.”
Turning her attention back to Amelia, Audrey said, “Amelia, the only reason Duke’s words sound stupid to you is because they aren’t meant for you. Furthermore, if you never understand what he is saying, rest assured he’s never actually wanted to speak to you.”
Amelia was quite angry (cranky). It was obvious.
“My dear,” Audrey continued, “you are not a suitable match for Professor VJ Duke. I do not believe I’ll be recommending another date between the two of you, Amelia.”
And the war is over. At least, the professor hopes so.
***
(Thank you, Duke. It was an honor writing this story with you. Truly. ~ Audrey)
Sink Or Swim
Obstacles hinder
Destinations via water
Adrenaline rush
The fear of the unknown holds us all back. Why do we allow it to control our decisions and our goals? We nourish fear with our strength, day in and day out, choosing to help it grow to become more powerful. We sit quietly as it beats us down. Fear doesn’t exist. This we all know. Kick it in the balls. Get on with the show. Go for the gold. Let’s stop worrying that we’ll fail. Live life now and beg for forgiveness later. Fear can hunt someone else down now. We’re alive, so prove it.
Prompting Fear, because it thinks I won’t. This lady is brave. Thanks, DC.
Imagine
The flow of music
Our notes,
Whispering towards me,
Offering a slow start.
Forever in a trance,
Waiting for a crescendo,
Unknown to the Universe.
Imagination
Did you notice?
I don’t miss the words,
Those that haven’t been written,
Or spoken in so long.
The beat carries on,
The deepest bass,
Like your darkest place,
Would be easy to find comfort there.
Texas beach, cool night air
Whisked away
Longing
Blood pouring from aching eyes
Arms wide open,
Although miles apart, I fear.
Dreaming of your piercing stare
As the notes end,
it is then,
I will weep.
Imagining
Don Charisma’s Prompt – Imagine : Thanks for bit of inspiration this afternoon, DC. I may have to try to do more of these prompts. Makes creating so much easier when I have a word. I just closed my eyes and, well, here ya go WordPress Family.
Oldest Daughter & Red Headed Sister 