Linda Barnes

As we reflect
On roads we traveled
Would we have driven
The path before after
...

I look to my childhood
There is not what seems
A man that I knew
My father, was he
...

Your voice resounds
In my dreams at night
A picture emerges
Of conversations we had
...

I will leave this Earth
With a broken heart
Of all I have seen
And all that is not
...

As this year comes to a close
I remember those who are not here
I hold close all of those I love
While letting go of those I don't
...

Have you ever wondered
What it's like
To kiss a woman
And know it's right
...

The fluttering I felt
Deep inside my soul
Perfection of warmth
Surrounded in Love
...

Meeting her for the first time
Feelings of vulnerability
Her need to protect from harm
For those she holds dear
...

I sit on the bed
Watching you pace
Explaining to me
Why I should stay
...

I see you look at me
With an intense stare
Am I familiar to you
Or just a passing dare
...

I waited so long
To hold you in my arms
Even not knowing
Whether you were a boy or girl
...

Everyone can remember
Their first crush
Hands sweating
Heart beating fast
...

It seems like yesterday
When our eyes met
I looked you over
Complete, from head to foot
...

A rose goes dormant
As Fall turns into Winter
Thorns still showing
No buds appearing
...

As I sat on the couch
Feeling my heart race
Trying to catch my breath
Bracing myself for the pain
...

What is that on your cheek
Is it of loneliness or defeat
Could it be from hunger
Or shame of another
...

I will always be amazed
Of the strength in her that day
Seeing her light just fade away
In an instant, her life changed
...

I hate the path we took
Because you brought me with you
Through the darkness and the smog
I followed you faithfully
...

With my last heartbeat
My only prayer
Will be for those
That I leave behind
...

No one can understand
How my heart beats
Why I still love a man
When he left so long ago
...