Lessons

Don't ever expect 
to be respected
by someone you respect
those are your expectations
and they'll disappoint you in the end
but if you do feel disrespected
don't let it change who you are
your abuelita used to say
a star is still a star
even if the clouds get in the way
she would also say
the same people
who say God bless
and wish you much success
can also wish you death
in the same breath
so you must be very aware
of who you share your air
and your energy with 
just trust your gut
and know when to speak up
if you do keep your mouth shut
don't do it for too long 
or you'll become part of what's wrong
and lose sight of what's right
lessons are like people
not one of them are the same
but if you don't learn from them
you'll have no one to blame
but yourself

© 2019

L.O.V.E. Notes: Abuelos

When did I first learn about Love
from my grandparents
seeing my grandfather stop
on the side of the road
even after his shift was over
to help a stranger with car trouble
because it felt right for him to do
and he enjoyed working on cars
watching my grandmother
get up early in the morning
to bake cakes for people
she had never met before
only to turn down the amount of
money they wanted to give her
because she hoped that somehow
the energy she put into those cakes
would help those who ate them
they always gave the those with less
all while helping one another
become something much greater
there were no stuffed teddy bears
or boxes of chocolates 
not even a dozen roses 
there were hugs & kisses
fresh fruit on the table everyday 
and flowers from the garden
that's Love in its purest form
maybe I'm just too old-fashioned

<3

© 2019

All Of Us

Some of us didn't make it

I'd hoped we all would 

but I know there are times when 

your demons get the better of you

and you see only one way out

one way to end the pain

all while being judged by those

who never understood your struggle

but for those of us who remain 

we must continue fighting

giving ourselves every opportunity

to be who we were meant to be

and if we can help anyone along the way

even if it's just a conversation

that could make all the difference

in the world to someone

who feels like the world

is crumbling beneath their feet

this is how we should honor those

who are no longer with us

by helping those who are
it's not about ego
or taking credit for saving people
it's about helping those people
save themselves
because they may not realize 
what happened wasn't their fault
and they deserve to be here

© 2019

The Difference Makers

So many of you are still searching
for your place in the world
but when you look at what's going on
it's much more appealing to
find another place all together
because how do you fit
in a place that doesn't appreciate
everyone it already has
will you even be noticed at all
or will you also be rejected
and treated unfairly 
just for being who you are
but when you really think about it
you shouldn't be too concerned
because that's how you've always felt
rejected by the ones you respect
mistreated by the ones you love
unappreciated by everyone else
so if those feelings haven't changed 
you shouldn't concern yourselves with 
the opinions of others 
because we all have a place 
your efforts won't go unnoticed 
even if the world won't acknowledge them

© 2019 

Flicker

It's not that easy
people think it is
but nothing could be 
further from the truth
it's a constant struggle
not just being the light
but being in the light
the shadows 
are so inviting 
offering comfort 
even protection in a way
but it's a new year right
that doesn't matter 
anxiety doesn't take a break
depression doesn't 
take a day off
and mental illness doesn't 
know when to quit
so you have to keep going
even if it's not as bright
as it once was
it may even flicker a bit
but that doesn't matter either
just keep it close
if you feel yourself slipping
don't let go
because it's your light
and your light is your life

© 2019

Y Ahora Qué

La ansiedad
es como un parásito
y yo soy un huésped
no me siento bien
me siento agotado
pero sigo luchando
los pensamientos
son como demonios
tratando de matarme
quitando mi luz
no temo la oscuridad
pero me frustra mucho 
cuando gana la depresión

es como un nube oscura
cubriendo el sol
estes sentimientos
no estoy seguro 
si voy a sobrevivir esta vez
tengo que matar el parásito
vencer a los demonios
liberar la luz
y escapar de la oscuridad
hay sólo un problema 
lo he hecho todo antes 

© 2018

I'm No King

I don't need a crown

the throne

nor the kingdom 

or even the title itself 

all I need is a cause

so I can lead by example

the once respected crown

is merely an accessory 

the throne is for sitting 

but I'd rather stand

a kingdom is a kingdom 

some are with you 

while others are plotting

to take your place

and as far as the title goes 

I can be a king
because it's my birthright 

or I can be so much more 
than I ever dreamt possible 

all I need is a cause 

so I can lead by example 
I'm no king
just a being with purpose 
who fights for everyone 

© 2018