birthday presents
As a kid, what would you ask for your birthday?
blooming red
a vase of flowers
slowly wilting
…
like diamond rings
and other material things
meant more to us
when we were young
but now we can appreciate
the value of time
relationships and health
on the fence
What are you indecisive about?
melting slowly
ice cubes in the cup
play in the pool
…
indecision
at the ice cream counter
if we should order
chocolate or vanilla today
is not taking into account
we can always
come back again
walk the dog
What do others trust you with?
weathered dog leash
a tropical storm passes
on a summer day
…
the roles
and responsibilities
others put on us
as well as what
we put on ourselves
may match
or be completely different
fade to black
What do you think about at night?
the lanterns glow
dances on the water
waving hello
…
as the sun
goes down
and night arrives
we can find peace
in knowing tomorrow
is a new day to build
something that matters
chart the course
Where are you in your journey?
local market
jewels of the sun
enter our mouths
…
throughout our journey
to reach our destination
whether we can stay on course
find another way to get there
or simply stop and turn around
is the beauty behind the experiences
and the memories made along the way
play the song
What is your favorite instrument?
wistful bells
playing twinkle
twinkle little star
…
on a trumpet
on a flute
on a violin
on a piano
and we will hear
new sounds and feelings
with the music
prescription
Who do you listen to?
morning details
my wife irons my shirt
as sprinklers come on
…
not all things
we need to do
need to come
from the mouths
of doctors
of therapists
of counselors
storefront windows
What are you displaying?
shopping mall
a bird carrying
paper towels
…
we can get
a glimpse
of personality
or what is
in season
if we look
at others
throw and catch
Are you the thrower or catcher?
baseball game
a long time waiting
for the fireworks
…
for throwers
we control
how high or low
how fast or slow
the ball goes
as for the catchers
we make do with what we get
first-hand
What have you experienced today?
microphone
a spotlight opens
the abyss
…
our personal
experiences
mean more
the stronger
the older
the wiser
we get
blue in the face
How are you feeling today?
spilling over
the iron pot
spicy ramen
…
body language
and especially
our faces
are able to display
and communicate
a number of emotions
and feelings
secret sauce
Why are you, you?
sticky fingers turn
grandmothers cookbook
teriyaki stains
…
what makes us
what defines us
what drives us
what completes us
is an amalgamation
of interests, hobbies
desires and so much more