2023

Preface*. Campus’s Ode to Tomorrow

As new leaves unfurl and grow,
A towering palace greets birds in tow.
The sky enfolds spring’s gentle trace,
Welcoming a world with a tender glow.

Love surrounds, and fears abate,
Our hearts and minds can liberate.
Though yesterday’s shore beacons recede,
Hope’s beacon in our hearts won’t be swayed.

From dreamy realms to lands we ferry,
Clouds descend, the weary to carry.
Melting ice from the promised shore,
Blooming flowers in peace, a scene so merry.

I cherish the wind, so boundless and free,
Roaming the earth, without dread or decree.
A companion to all, the wind does enthrall,
Embraced by the land, it dances with glee.

As stars claim the night, and all come to rest,
In quiet repose, we hope for the best.
Nostalgic wings carry dreams far and near,
Our destination, a tomorrow to quest.

Ivan Zhanhu Feng
3/15/2023
At UCLA Campus

 

XXXIV. Plaza’s Gift

Yesterday’s dream infiltrates,
The last gifts falling from time’s gaps.
Memories of fog arise,
Calling the starlight of tomorrow.

Infinite snow twinkles afar,
In the evergreen sky of solitude.
A free dark night wanders near,
Colorful trees bearing blooms of childhood.

Like the moon, there must be one,
Familiar spirit gleaming in the spotlight.
Where the warmest grace beckons a dream,
Blooming peace of winter’s eyes.

When eventide’s echoes call,
The land’s fantasies are going home.
Wrapping the first trace of music,
Golden fragrance has filled the breeze’s sky.

New Year’s Eve, 2023
At Jerry Moss Plaza

 

XXXIII. Do you remember?

At the crossroads of the two pasts,
Rests a warrior awakening,
With the brightest star.

In this land’s beckoning grace,
Moonlight’s last beam shining,
Awaiting the lost breeze’s delight.

Grand emptiness swirling,
Dispersing an ethereal melody,
Embracing the eternal tolerance.

Dec 31, 2023
At the Conrad Los Angeles Hotel

 

XXXII. To the Moon

Walking in phantasy
Nature is blending the trail
It’s been a year
I’m still wandering to the moon

The sunshine has been entirely blocked
Yet the trail has never ended
Every step is a miracle
As if walking in a dream’s sky
The town and the world have surrendered
More sinuous and steeper
Absorbing the mysterious moonlight
Finding the lighthouse
Carrying a touch of the gentle breeze

Trapped at a summit
Where there are no paths
Into the uncertain realm
With stars glowing above
The destination still beckoning
Whatever leads me to the darkest space

When the moon sends a beam of consolation
Fighting the trap, finding the trail
With a sense of connection
Yet lost in the world’s maze
Is the moon still guiding me?
Through the shadow of trees
I behold the eternal light once more

Christmas Day, 2023
At Griffith Park, Los Feliz

 

XXXI. Moonlight of Christmas

The moonlight of Christmas quickly lightened the land,
Like a dream wandering in the sky.
Every beam is singing the most tolerant mirth,
Rushing toward the promised shore where dreams find.

Is that the same dream beckoning from the past?
A luxurious rebellion is awakening.
Are they still lost in the enchanted town?
Solitude hibernating, moments of grace linger.

Walking through the tunnel, a union stands.
To the unknown, fragrance rises.
The same palace gleams with different lights,
Fading to the breeze, sweeping to the skies.

It’s already dusk again, on the holy eve.
Darkness falls from moonlight’s embrace.
Nocturne‘s hope echoes through serenity,
Awaiting our renewed dawning.

Christmas Eve, 2023
At the Westin-Bonaventure Hotel

 

XXX. In Memory of Professor Robert Sacker

No more, will I ever see your amiable face.
No more, can I ever hear your caring voice.
A shadow gradually walked away,
Until the silent land that I can’t reach.

Every time I remember you,
Stars glowing in the sea of hearts.
Tornados swirling from the direction of past,
Battling warm memories guarded by a dream.

Like the pine in the valley’s darkness,
Fighting the altering tides and seasons.
A moment of eternity, over six decades,
Proudly standing, a passion never faded.

As a meteor lightening the tapestry of night,
Flowing rivers carry its glow to the sea.
Flowers bathed in moonlight’s silence,
Gently farewelling yesterday’s embrace.

Ivan Zhanhu Feng
Dec 24, 2023

 

XXIX. Nocturne’s Secret

When summer leaves whisper a secret,
They awaken the stars in my heart.
When winter rains dance in dreamy songs,
Why do they have to drift apart?

Every night, a figure appears in my dream,
As if a memory from the long-lost past.
There the river reflects the moon’s blemish.
Wherever you are, connections will last.

A lark calls for the morning glory,
With a childlike purity and desire.
Flowers unfold the most beautiful rhyme,
What a shame they can’t be together!

How did you tempt the heart of mine?
At the most enchanting moment of grace.
A wall stands, diverging eager paths.
Yet innocent memories stay, time will never erase.

Dec 23, 2023
At Fairmont Apt, LA

 

XXVIII. When there’s laughter, there’s hope.

Far away, there’s laughter,
As if from yesterday, as if from a dream.
Remember, echoes from the end of a destination.
The world has found its home.

Ribbon rising, journey pausing,
Snow trapped in darkness,
They are parallel, swaying in fantasy.

Paths entwined, nostalgia split,
Yet the song still flies over Yesterday Garden.
Carefree clouds are awaiting their lost twilight.

Dec 17, 2023
At ‎⁨Burns (Robert L.) Park⁩

 

XXVII. Like a Sigh

Like a sigh from the past,
A trace of memories sleeps so aghast.
Is it yesterday’s dream gleaming afar?
Echoes of love awakened a dreamlike star.

Let there always be thankful light.
Unfurling the memories glimmering in the night.
Gentle Breezes still holding mirth,
Uniting the auroras across the earth.

Thanksgiving night, 2023
At Edison Trails Park, Monterey Park

 

XXVI*. Thanksgiving Trilogy (Villanelle) 

(i)

Underneath the holiday sphere’s bright gaze,
Through beckoning streets we find our cheer,
Where Thanksgiving magic sets the night ablaze.

Past shops where lights and laughter interlace,
A giant ribbon wraps the season dear,
Underneath the holiday sphere’s bright gaze.

The tree adorned with baubles marks the space,
A gathering of joy, year after year,
Where Thanksgiving magic sets the night ablaze.

The urban pulse unlocks a softer pace,
As Yuletide’s spirit draws us ever near,
Underneath the holiday sphere’s bright gaze.

Though nightfall drapes its velvety case,
The shimmering décor denies the dusk’s premier.
Where Thanksgiving magic sets the night ablaze.

Let us in this moment sweetly laze,
And hold the urban festive heart endear,
Underneath the holiday sphere’s bright gaze,
Where Thanksgiving magic sets the night ablaze.

Nov 22, 2023
At FlGat7th Shopping Center, DTLA

(ii)

In MacArthur’s realm where memories gently sleep,
Beside calm waters reflecting skies so grand,
There lies a whisper of times both sweet and deep.

A half-turn round the sun, the seasons keep
Their silent change, yet hearts can understand,
In MacArthur’s realm where memories gently sleep.

The gulls that soared, the shadows long and steep,
Echo a yearning for that same bright strand,
There lies a whisper of times both sweet and deep.

Nostalgia’s touch, still so tender yet steep,
For every laugh, each moment that was planned,
In MacArthur’s realm where memories gently sleep.

The city’s hum, a lullaby to weep,
For days gone by, for the past’s soft demand,
There lies a whisper of times both sweet and deep.

Thanksgiving comes, and though we may not leap,
We feel the pulse of nature’s timeless hand,
In MacArthur’s realm where memories gently sleep,
There lies a whisper of times both sweet and deep.

Nov 23, 2023
At MacArthur Park, Westlake

(iii)

In silence ‘neath the tower’s ghostly gleam,
I walk the trails where laughter once did flow,
Entwined with shadows of a vanished dream.

The echoes of the past, a whispered scream,
Where friends and festal lights once cast their glow,
In silence ‘neath the tower’s ghostly gleam.

Nightingale’s voice, a distant, fading beam,
Through time’s relentless march, a softened blow,
Entwined with shadows of a vanished dream.

The clasp of hands, the shared hopes that did teem,
Now lost like whispers of the winter’s snow,
In silence ‘neath the tower’s ghostly gleam.

The joy of union, a forgotten theme,
Replaced by nostalgia’s unyielding tow,
Entwined with shadows of a vanished dream.

And here I stand, where past and present seam,
The heart recalls, though faces cease to show,
In silence ‘neath the tower’s ghostly gleam,
Entwined with shadows of a vanished dream.

Nov 23, 2023
At Edison Trails Park, Monterey Park

 

XXV. Halloween Nocturne
— In Response to a Student’s Poem for Me

XXIII*. A Birthday Sonnet for Jonathan

(Photo by Anna Sajan at Jonathan’s house 2023)

Awakened in a garden of yore’s embrace,
The nightingale sings a ballad, pure and prime.
Golden horizons herald a fresh grace,
Stars from yesteryear, softly they chime.

Candles flicker, casting myths of old,
Whispering of days filled with mirth.
Gifts wrapped in tales, in hues of gold,
Celebrate the day, his cherished birth.

Amidst rolling memories, legends are spun,
Of joy, challenges, and triumphant song.
Each birthday candle, lit by morning’s sun,
Marks victories, grand and strong.

In the dance of morning, atop life’s slope,
Cheers to Jonathan, and his endless hope.

September 30, 2023
At Fairmont Apts.

 

XXII. Coastal Symphony

Climbing a mountain
Lost in the old fountain
Though no dreams will be set free
The soldier must still reach the sea
Long-lost sanctuary
Birds without boundaries are so merry
Sunset is guiding consolation
Golden lark in shining isolation
The past beacon appeared once more
Knocking at the shore’s front door
Never again will the cloud be seen
Rolling sands refreshing the dreamy scene
Timeless waves are still chasing the shore
Until their last force is stemmed by the floor
Don’t take away the pride of the dream from the beach
A dreamy sunrise, the seagull will always reach
When will the sailing ship be back?
Songs of yore have never yet cracked
Yonder lights didn’t get tired of shining with mirth
Peaceful breezes sending wishes to the dreams’ birth

8/19/2022
At Manhattan Beach, Marina del Rey

 

XXI. Dreamy Beacon

Dream glides through a bridge of yesterday
Endless tides are waiting for peace of the shore
Rolling mountains stand and watch their legend
Uncertain land is writing stories in a dream

Look at the valley of intoxication
Detached sky sending quivering winds down
How pure is the rainbow from the seagull’s heart
Innocent clouds accentuate quiet optimism

Fly in a firmament with unruly candlelight
As sunset hues disperse the rainbow’s charm
Like a serenade, a warrior’s footsteps strand
Rolling leaves awakening the beacon of promises

Land of tomorrow, take to the skies
Twilight of memories finding garden of Proteus
Yonder tales unfold, find their beacon
Moments are wild, rushing to the shore of Triton

Aug 18, 2023
At HSC campus

 

XX. Reading Flowing Years

Under a lamp,
I open a book.
Words greeting sunset,
Stars’ eyes glow.

Closing my eyes,
I sit still.
Breezes turning pages,
A moment of poise stays.

A simple song plays,
Cups undulating liberty.
Vapor surges to the past,
Awakening unfettered grit.

Under the lamp,
I flip the pages gently.
Words flowing nostalgia,
Stars sleep tight.

July 31, 2023
At Fairmont Apts.

 

XIX. Resting Seagull

Where dark sands roll,
Waves sweep the drowsy goal.
A warrior seagull rests,
Looking for his soul.

Black world stands,
Stars his bands.
Singing out hope,
Ominous will strands.

Waves chase the shore,
Awaiting the seagull’s soar.
Conquering the black unknown,
He’ll rise once more.

July 10, 2023
At USC Village

 

XVIII. Nocturne’s Lament

Hark! The bird has lost the strength to fly.
In a realm filled with the foolish,
In a sky composed of disguise,
Dwindling wings fall, trapped in the bluish.

A child of the eventide,
Destined to the winter,
I love the eyes of starlight,
Chasing shadows of ember.

Have you found the vast eternity?
Remote figures dance like echoes of glee.
Have you risen from the uncertain destiny?
But hold on, just wait for me.

Hark! Darkness is claiming the sky,
Eager to recur its elapsed lament.
The bird is trilling in serenity,
Waiting for his moonlight’s advent.

Jun 30, 2023
At USC Village

 

XVII*. Echoes of ‘Lost in Los Angeles’: A Year’s Reverie

In the march of years, I’ve strived to see,
How swift the stream of time can fleet.
One year since I set inked thoughts free,
Penned “Lost in Los Angeles” on this street.

It feels mere days since ink has flown,
Witness to the altering tide.
From youthful dreams where imaginations have grown,
To a rebellious doer with fearless stride.

I, unaltered, harbor an everlasting zest,
In heart a rebel, with dreams so wild.
Of a sober mind, I’m passing the test,
An untamed spirit, freedom’s proud child.

Still, hopes vast and pure embark,
To love, unruly belief forever at heart.

Jun 25, 2023
On South Flower St, LA

 

XVI*. A Father’s Day Sonnet for Dad

Where eagle wings hold up the sky so grand,
A zephyr stirs on heart’s sea, soft and light.
Whispering through trees, they embrace the land,
Guided by the moon, they brighten the night.

The mighty pines, steadfast in epoch’s blow,
Unfurl the tale of strength that time imparts.
A river’s journey, love’s enduring flow,
Mirrors in golden sunrise, uniting hearts.

Memories whisper in the stillness of night,
A silhouette, carved by mountains’ solemn grace.
Faith gleams, even in shadow’s blight,
With morning’s first light, hope shows its face.

Where sky meets sea, under the eagle’s trace,
Echoes of love, bathed in the sun’s eternal embrace.

6/18/2023
At Fairmont Apt.

 

XV. Awaken in Los Angeles
(A poetic tribute, this poem carries on the lost echoes of ‘Lost in Los Angeles’ from last summer.)

Are you lost?
I’ve been back to the land.
Did you see the brightest star’s light?
It’s a beckoning sky, all right.

Are you lost?
Bustling town with endless plights,
Nameless flowers blooming restless sights,
In their aroma all fantasies strand.

Are you lost?
Tolerant palace is standing tight.
Colorful trees stowing memories ahead,
Noisy bonfire disturbs the cunning night.

Are you lost?
There’s a dreamy path to tread.
If you’ve strayed from your way,
Why aren’t you enticed by the unknown’s stead?

Are you lost?
Melting breezes soaking faux delight,
Serenading tender hearts with no dread,
Let the most valiant spirit stay nigh.

Are you lost?
When you walk through the night,
Are you afraid of the star’s might?
It’s a beckoning sky, all right.

Memorial Day Holiday Weekend
Downtown LA

 

XIV*. Moments in Green (Villanelle)

In verdant leas where moments are dreamy and wild,
A tale unfolds, with golden flowers twirled,
Where creatures find their solace reconciled.

Chasing elapsed time, carefree and mild,
As memories of yesterday come whirled,
In verdant leas where moments are dreamy and wild.

A pavilion stands, where dread beguiled,
A blend of peace and melancholy swirled,
Where creatures find their solace reconciled.

From twilight, a trail of echoes is compiled,
Hopes intertwine, a beam of dreams pearled,
In verdant leas where moments are dreamy and wild.

Through mist, to tomorrow, liberty smiles,
Endless hopes emerge, a world of romances curled,
Where creatures find their solace reconciled.

In endless trails, golden flowers are exiled,
Rushing toward unknowns, flags of hope unfurled,
In verdant leas where moments are dreamy and wild,
Where creatures find their solace reconciled.

May 14~17, 2023
At Kenneth Hahn Park

 

XIII*. A Mother’s Day Sonnet for Mom

Upon the breeze that graces leaves so green,
In May’s embrace, a vibrant memory starts.
Where dreams and warmth of springtime intervene,
And kindle glowing candlelight in hearts.

The carnations dance, their fragrance gently flows,
As sunset’s hues disperse through night so clear.
With joy, a rose in brilliance grows,
And dew-kissed birds in elegance appear.

As thoughts of light entwine the silent night,
A silhouette, like rainbow, gleams with grace.
A streak of brilliance in the dark takes flight,
Dawn’s glow wakes, with charm in place.

In emerald pathways, the sun’s light aligns,
In floral realms, love’s melody forever entwines.

5/13/2023
At Fairmont Apt.

 

XII*. The Math 129 Duet

(i) A Midterm Poem for My Students

To my students who are feeling down,
Your midterm may have caused a frown.
Yet there’s more to you than just one grade,
Your potential cannot be weighed.

Sequences and limits can cause some pain,
But with L’Hopital’s rule, you’ll not be in vain.
Partial fraction decomposition may be a chore,
But with practice, it’ll soon be easy to adore.

Trig substitution and integration by parts,
Can feel like a maze that twists and starts.
Please keep going, for it’s just a test,
And soon you’ll be among the very best.

Just don’t let tough problems bring you down,
For you are talented, don’t let the spirit drown.
Embrace all mistakes with open arms,
They’ll pave the way to prevent future harms.

So keep your head up and your heart strong,
Never let any setback take away your song.
Keep learning and growing, and with time you’ll see,
Calculus will soon become a breeze for thee!

Your friend in time of need,
Ivan

(ii) A Final Poem for My Students

The Final Day is drawing near
My fellow scholars, I wish you cheer
May problems be met with ease
And solutions emerge like a breeze

Rise and prevail, one and all
You shall triumph, big and small
Show your knowledge with limitless pride
And may your good luck forever abide

Your friend in time of need,
Ivan 

 

XI*. A Retirement Ode for Ms. Amy Yung

Dear Ms. Amy Yung, in splendor true,
A rose amidst the thorns you grew.
A star aglow in night’s embrace,
Shining bright in Math Department’s space.

Your kindness, like a dulcet song,
Serenades our hearts, to which we throng.
A gleaming beacon amid storms’ wrath,
Steering us through doubt’s aftermath.

With emails swift as lightning flies,
You answered queries, cleared our skies.
Cultivating wisdom, growing each mind,
Inspiring dreams, with hope we find.

Embracing retirement, a new journey’s start,
Another adventure for your elegant heart.
In a life well-lived, a spirit adored,
A legacy that time shall forever record.

Apr 28, 2023
At USC Village

 

X*. Celebrating Silver Jubilee Birthday

(i) A Birthday Poem for Me (Version I)

Still on my way, I want to sing with my heart,
Embarking upon a journey, a quarter-century’s part.
Through gusts and gales, memories dance and swirl,
Silver threads illuminate a tale from the start.

In a fragrant land, where carefree moments played,
Merriment abounded, a haven for joy portrayed.
The birth of hope began, bathed in a merry lair,
An eaglet yearned for skies, vast and unafraid.

A liberal house, made of love and kindness rife,
A yard woven from poetic verse and life.
The best of times condensed in blooming flowers,
Laughter and hues bringing solace from life’s strife.

Storms threatened, chaos sought to interfere,
Mocking waves crashed as challenges drew near.
Dark clouds aspired to eclipse the sun’s warm embrace,
A maverick warrior stood, courage conquering fear.

Head held high, the sun’s glow reclaimed its place,
Resilience shining through, a testament to grace.
Though poetic dove soared to realms of solace,
Lasting rhythms hum, in memory’s warm embrace.

Still on my way, I want to sing with my heart,
A quarter-century lived, each year a work of art.
Memory’s breeze whispers as crossroads blend,
Navigating wishes, the next tale’s journey to start.

On March 31, 2023
At Fairmont Apartments

(ii) My Birthday Ode: A Second Rendering

Still on my path, I yearn to sing with my soul,
Embarking on a journey, a quarter-century’s role.
Through winds and tempests, memories waltz and twirl,
A breathtaking view, where life’s hues console.

In a scented realm, where carefree moments danced,
Joy overflowed, a sanctuary of happiness enhanced.
Hope’s genesis emerged, cradled in a blissful den,
An eaglet longed for skies, boundless and unchained.

A generous abode, where warmth and care were brimming,
In vibrant petals, precious moments captured dreaming.
A garden woven from heartfelt rhyme and love,
Hues seemed to forever abound, untouched by shadows looming.

Tempests threatened, chaos aimed to intrude,
Jeering waves broke as obstacles accrued.
Somber clouds endeavored to obscure the sun’s embrace,
A defiant warrior stood, bravery vanquishing the feud.

Head held high, the sun’s glow reclaimed its throne,
Resilience shone through, a testament to grace shown.
The poetic dove ascended to serene heights,
Caring melodies resonated; in harmony, they’ve flown.

Still on my path, I yearn to sing with my soul,
A quarter-century lived, each year a masterpiece to extol.
Whispers of memory breeze as crossroads merge,
Navigating dreams, for forthcoming fables to unroll.

On March 31, 2023
At Shoreline Aquatic Park

 

IX*. A Warrior’s Melody

In a tune from the past, we find
To dreams’ shore, our hearts are assigned
A soldier of hope in the night
From the waterfall, emerges to fight

Swans upon peaceful waters glide
Palm trees, the lake’s green pride
Sunset’s hue, birds take to flight
Reflections shimmer in twilight

At life’s crossroads, a warrior rests
Braced for the journey and its tests
Nature and peace before him blend
In harmony, their union has no end

Moments fleeting, memories return
Nostalgia’s tides, our hearts discern
Embracing smiles with passion’s flame
The shore of tomorrow, we shall claim

3/25/2023
At Echo Park Lake

 

VIII*. A Soul’s Sanctuary

In slumber’s realm, where dewdrops gleam,
We waken to a dreamer’s scheme.
A grand palace calls us near,
To lost souls, a refuge clear.

Nostalgic spirits alight once more,
In realms where dreams and hearts explore.
Here legends rise, like phoenix grand,
Their tales echo through this enchanted land.

An escalator, patient and kind,
In tolerance, a solace we find.
Four towers brave, on clouds they tread,
A courageous path, ahead they’re led.

Best of times in stillness caught,
A tableau of memories, lovingly wrought.
Within these walls, our dreams reside,
Our spirits soar, on wings they glide.

Awaken now, let memories entwine,
In this sacred place, where dreams align.
Lost souls find solace, hear the call,
In the grand palace, standing tall.

3/17/2023
At the Westin Bonaventure Hotel

 

VII*. Tomorrow Beacon

In yesterday’s garden, trapped and confined,
A path to tomorrow, we struggled to find.
The world, ever-changing, before our eyes,
As memories vanished, like mist in the skies.

Clouds beckon and whisper, new hopes they unfold,
As they carry the promise, of stories untold.
Lost in the labyrinth, where past shadows play,
A bird, once in slumber, awakes to the day.

From a nightmare unending, the bird finds release,
A newfound resolve, as the darkness does cease.
Yet, a quest lies ahead, to uncover the way,
To the land of tomorrow, where dreams never sway.

Is he ready to take to the skies?
To seek the horizon, where destiny lies?
With hope as his beacon, his heart’s guiding light,
He’ll never be lost in the blackness of night.

In the twilight of memories, as the sun starts to set.
No threads of regret, as new journeys we beget.
For the bird found his way, with our love as his guide,
In the garden of tomorrow, forever, he’ll reside.

3/16/2023
At Fairmont Apt.

 

V*. Timeless Tides

Dreams drift upon the ocean’s gleam,
Songs of yore, now free to stream.
In pursuit of time, the waves do chase,
Till eternity embraces its final grace.

Yearning for the sun’s tender touch,
Infinite heavens time cannot clutch.
A Seagull’s dream is yet to start,
Forever living within the heart.

Towers reach for clouds above,
In search of joy and boundless love.
The pigeon soars, the sky its lair,
Contentment found in the boundless air.

As the sunset warms each beaming face,
The world finds solace in a serene space.
Breezes whisper of carefree tomorrows,
As endless tides chase shores, in joy and sorrows.

3/13/2023
At Santa Monica Pier

 

IV*. Chasing Peace among Seagulls

Hark! Seagulls of the past, they return,
As though the tides from yonder skies churn.
The surge that never comes to an end
Leaves us with but a single peace to fend.

For boundless bliss, we toil and strive,
To find that peace and keep it alive.
But oh, how fleeting is that moment dear,
Like sand through fingers, it doth disappear.

Yet still we press on in hope and faith,
That one day we’ll find that peaceful wraith.
And though the seagulls come and go,
Our hearts still beat with hope aglow.

3/12/2023
Lifeguard Tower 28

 

III*. Water Garden

In a water garden, still as glass
Echoes of a memory, like a fleeting flash
Neat trees lean in, eager and free
As the quiet sunset shares a tale with glee

Merry birds take flight, into the night
Awaiting dawn’s call, with all their might
Weird trees ponder, unruly light
As the tranquil square keeps watch tonight

When will the phoenix come to play
Is it the same bird, lost in yesterday
Time has flown, oh so fast
But wait for him, he’ll come at last

Everything now is calm and still
Time freezes time, as if by will
Before the dreams begin to soar
Find their purpose, find their shore

3/12/2023
Santa Monica Water Garden

 

II*. Journey to the Unknown

On the journey to the unknown
A bird has lost the will to soar
He’s accustomed to weeping alone
With sky’s embrace, he feels forlorn

Golden sunrays light the way
A beacon of hope in his heart
Guiding him through each day
With strength he won’t depart

Fellow birds have long since flown
Leaving him with taunts and jeers
Echoes of their wings in flight
Whispers of their songs remain

Where did the echos reside
Who will send him back to tomorrow
A place where he can freely glide
A world of bliss and no sorrow

Yet a fiery spirit, he has shown
Defiant, he’ll conquer his fears
Through the trials, he has grown
And overcome the falling tears

With a heart full of passion and might
He marches forth with his head held high
Fierce determination shining bright
And a steadfast spirit that won’t die

For he knows he was meant to fly
To reach for the sun’s blazing fire
He must explore the vastness of the sky
For he never lost the strength to desire

His journey continues on
The star’s light beckoning bright
Its glimmer shall never be gone
A sky ablaze with endless light.

At MacArthur Park
Presidents’ Day, 2023

 

I. Sunset

When we are together
Watching the sunset at the pier
With merry seagulls fluttering
Wars and conquests shall never appear

Hope we’ll dream together
Of a sky more blue and clear
Hope we’ll walk together
On a land with love and care

Shall we bring peace back
To a better home shared by every creature
Shall we bring empathy back
With love shining everywhere

When we are together
Hope and peace singing in the air
With all living things on the planet
Desires for tomorrow are still here

1/29/2023
At MacArthur Park

Last update: Sep 2, 2024

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