I’m continuing to reach back, again to the first book in this series, “Learning to Love Again”. The poem is long but reflective of that time. Please enjoy “I’m Feeling Alive”

I’m feeling alive
Though fraught with complications
Compelled to take the dive
Unconcerned with its implications

For this life is a gift
And we strive to know its meaning
I cannot stay adrift
When each moment is redeeming

I live today with passion
Embracing its complexity
I refuse to try and ration
Or be stifled by inequity

Every moment counts
And I need to make the best of it
And though confusion mounts
I need to see the rest of it

I’m appreciative of the joys
And have no time to waste
I distinguish which are ploys
From those I have to taste

I remain forever grateful
For the insight I am learning
And rely on what is fateful
For what I gain is what I’m earning

We have choices to make
On this journey we call life
And it’s not without mistake
Or heartache or strife

But the path becomes clear
When we open ourselves to it
And we can find all that is dear
If we allow ourselves to do it

It’s always fun to go back to the very first book in this series to see if the words hold up today. Thankfully they do. From Learning to Love Again…”Up Early”

Up early absorbing the words
On the pages of my morning
Filling my mind with new information
As has always been my pattern

I have hopes and goals
Hurdles to jump
Walls to climb
And I know I will reach them

For the first time in years
I feel the energy of optimism
The strength of my convictions
And the freedom of my emotions

For the first time in years
I feel the encouragement of others
The support of new friends
And the absence of loneliness

Things are happening quickly
As I feel the constraints of time
But I do need to pause
And not outrun those dear

I am feeling more at peace now

Than I have in quite some time

And I can only attribute it to

My recent growth

I am accepting my age

Appreciating how uncomplicated my life is

And coming to grips with the fact

That I am on a different path

My past adventures remain past

And my new journey

Holds the promise of taking me to

Places of mind and spirit I am now ready for

Love awakens me

Holds me while I sleep
Nourishes my days
And eases my soul