#300 Without an audience

The written word, unread
Means nothing, except
To those that wrote it

The spoken word, unheard
Echoes softly, until
The sound fades away

The plucked notes
Resonate in air, floating
Through the empty space

Afraid of what you may say
I play it for myself
Close to the chest
Without an audience

Unable to take a chance
I sing to myself
Close to my heart
Without an audience

The painted canvas, hidden
Strokes of my love
Vision of my heart

The pictures taken, focused
Beauty of my eye
Only I behold them

The prayers I pray, silently
To a deity of my design
Imaginary being

Afraid of what you may say
I pray for myself
Close to the chest
Without an audience

Unable to take a chance
I paint myself
Close to my heart
Without an audience

Irrational fear, failure
Intertwined, ingrained
Barriers as strong as steel

I close my eyes, breathe
Calm my nerves, release
Face another day

Without an audience

Christmas Eve

Believe
Christmas Eve
So easily deceived
A peaceful reprieve
Warm memories
A cold winter breeze
A moment to seize
yearning to be free
Christmas Eve
What it means to me
Is not the same to you, it seems
Fallen snow and shattered dreams
Believe
The time before the new year rings
and all the hope it does bring
open mind, heart to possible things
Christmas Eve
What is meant to be
for you and for me
Different paths and dreams
but tonight
in the glowing light
we bask in the memories
Christmas Eve
Some of the magic has lost it's luster
Despite all the effort we are willing to muster
The body is willing but the heart is weak
after years of forecasts, so bleak
Heartfelt memories lost in a sea of fights
No one was spared not even Christmas Night
Believe
This is the moment to seize
A memory to freeze
A nod to future memories
Christmas Eve
A wish upon an angels ear
May salvage something we hold dear
a dream of you
Christmas Eve