December!

I'm not a religious person but this is possibly my favorite month (weather aside). It's the month of holiday music, Baker's Square Candy Cane Pie, hot cocoa, Christmas movies, gifts, delicious feasts, holiday baking, holiday cheer, good will, peace on earth, etc, etc. Here's a little holiday music to make you smile. Enjoy!

<< music removed >>

Illuminations

Okay, I broke down and bought Josh Groban's new album called Illuminations as an early Christmas gift for myself. I've been listening to it over and over and I don't know how illuminating it is but I know this, those melodies combined with Josh's voice culminates in hauntingly, achingly beautiful music. I would expect nothing less, that's what he's known for. So there's my plug for his new album - go buy it. You're welcome, Josh. Ha, look at me acting as if anyone, let alone Josh Groban, actually reads this blog. Besides, I'm sure he does pretty alright without any help from me. 

My Prayer

I pray you ease the pain of people in despair

I pray you bring the rains to the dry desert air

I pray you give shelter to the homeless in the streets

I pray you bring food to those who don't eat

I pray you bring warmth to those who are cold

I pray you spread joy to the young and the old

I pray you bring peace and love to this world

And to you, choruses of earthly praises unfurl

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

I Travel On

frosty though the roads
and cold the winter snows

I travel on

through dark and icy nights
and blizzard walls of white

I travel on

and during the day
when the sky is solid gray

I travel on

let nothing slow my momentum

let nothing quell my song

I travel on,

I travel on ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Friberg

Victory Sweet

what started out so sweet

ended in clear defeat

but I didn’t know it was a game

you kept your cards so close to the vest

the king of hearts tattooed on your chest

you wear it without shame

by the time you had your victory sweet

I was a pool of tears at your feet

no mercy, no remorse

now you’ve had a change of heart

I swear, this is the best part

for what’s taken one must pay

now kneel down at the well

of all my tears that fell

and don’t forget to pray ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

Getting Ready!

I changed the look of the blog as I'm gearing up for the holidays. Coming soon... holiday music!

P.S. I watched the movie The Bishop's Wife (1947) with Loretta Young and Cary Grant this weekend for the first time. Great holiday movie!

My Secret

you’re a secret I’d like to keep

I turn it all inward

hide away my feelings deep

you’re like a soft place to fall

I land in your calm

quiet my head when I don’t know it all

you’re like a blanket for my soul

I cuddle in thoughts of you

keeps my heart warm in the cold

no one else knows this but me

because you’re a secret I’d like to keep ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Friberg

Finished!

I haven't posted in a few days because I've been busy finishing up my manuscript. That's right, the children's book is finally finished. It's only 66 pages but I figure that should be enough because I'm completely dry when it comes to ideas and inspiration. It better be good enough. I've contacted some literary agents and we'll see what happens. Cross your fingers for me!

Quicksand

maybe I didn't always do you right
and maybe you were ready for a fight
whenever you came home
just shut up and give me a kiss
because the truth is just this

we're waltzing on quicksand
each step takes us further down
one more step and we might drown
baby hold on tight

maybe you've told a thousand lies
and baby I've tried a thousand tries
to get you to love me right
but you can't get water from a stone
and if it must be known

we're waltzing on quicksand
each step takes us further down
one more step and we might drown
baby hold on tight
just hold on tight

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

I know I swore off poems that rhyme, but technically this is a song. So there.

Hallelujah, a poem that doesn't rhyme!

That's it! I've had it with all the rhyming!! I'm putting my foot down, no more rhyming or meter patterns from here on out. I used to write this way and I will once again if it kills me.

One Man Show

I don't know where we left off
were you spouting your ignorance again
as if it were as essential to me as water?
or was I crying softly into a kleenex?
please let me know where to begin
and I'll take my place on stage
oh, this is where your monologue takes place
the lengthy one with no purpose
I'll be sure to keep my eyes propped open
just remember when you are finished
exit stage left
no encores, no callbacks
this is your only chance

break a leg ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

Yearning

the night passes by so slowly

and I wonder if you know me

I wonder if you care

I walk past your window in the park

as my soul wanders in the dark

seeking your light

I turn at the corner store

where we’ve met once before

if only I could go back…

I’d say it all differently

and I’d look in your eyes

and see with no surprise

my love reflected back at me ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Friberg

Bitter

disappointment looms

on the darker side of life

where it seems that we are groomed

to accept the struggle and strife

bear it with your head held high

speak not of it at length

and your soul will slowly die

sapping all your strength

yes, it is your job to bear it

whatever comes your way

but you are never to share it

if you wish to keep your pay ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

Love Quietly

quiet, quiet, peace and quiet

ringing in my ears

then the clock strikes eleven

and your voice is all I hear

Shhh, hush now

find a task

there’s no more questions for you to ask

Shh, hush now

all is well

there’s no more stories for you to tell

quiet, quiet, peace and quiet

ringing in my ears

this is how I want it

throughout the coming years

concern extended silently

and love expressed quietly ~ 

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

The Warmth of You

I could sit cozy in front of a fireplace

feel the heat from the fire on my face

I could wrap myself in a blanket tight

with a heater next to my bed at night

but I’m afraid it will only do  

to feel the warmth of you ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Friberg

Bad Day

I had a bad day today. Nothing bad happened to me, but I had a bad day all the same. I suppose we all feel out of sorts at times. I find soothing, relaxing classical music to be such a comfort on my bad days. I turn it on and lie down and usually end up falling asleep and taking a nice, deep nap. I've also come to learn that the music of Josh Groban is like a band-aid for the soul. His new album Illuminations came out yesterday and I am dying to get it but I don't have the extra money right now. Maybe I'll buy it for myself for Christmas. We should all buy ourselves something nice now and then, we deserve it! Wouldn't it be nice if we could buy health or peace of mind? Well, buying soothing music is as close as I come to buying peace of mind. Here's some beautiful music from another great artist, violinist Joshua Bell. You're welcome.

Weeping

the moon is hung high tonight

so why am I weeping?

the stars flush the sky tonight

so why am I weeping?

everything in this universe is in its place

but for one

I haven’t met the man who lights my face

he will come

and the moon will still be as sweet

the stars will still be a fleet

but with him by my side

I won’t cry,

I won’t weep ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

Side Effects

Writing a children's book of rhymes has had a negative effect on my normal poetry writing. I used to write "free verse" but now I can't write without paying attention to rhyme and meter. Cursed children's rhymes!! So I've put down and stepped away from the book for a while, but still the side effects linger. I miss free verse. Please come back! Let me try one real quick:

what once the sun has shown upon
is now a wretched being recoiling from the light
withered and rusted by time
it sits and waits
sits and waits
for what it doesn't know
for time, for death, for some escape
for reconciliation with the past perhaps
for the devil to pay his call
so it may pay its dues ~

Okay, I don't know what the hell that was about, it wasn't even a poem but I don't care - it didn't rhyme, thank God in heaven!

100th Post!

This blog has come a long way! I do believe that just about every poem I have ever written can be found somewhere in this blog. There's not enough good ones for a book yet, but one day I would like to publish a book of my poetry. Now, to celebrate what I believe is the 100th post, I'll write another poem:

Daisy

what delicate petals

like precious metals

what dainty leaves

like silken sleeves

what soft stem

the better to bend

and never give birth

 its roots in the earth ~

Ta-da! I try to write a poem every day but sometimes I'm just not in the writing mood.

Love Angels

when hearts disconnect in subtle ways

when eyes list and minds stray

when brows furrow and tongues tie

when souls weep and love dies

that’s when angels draw very near

you’ll hear one whisper at your ear

"Fear not. This love, its time has come.

The future will bring a better one."

then the angel will embrace

and soft feathers brush your face

so whenever you feel the goosebumps cling

remember its just an angel's wing ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

Haiku

Another random Google image.

of a pleasant view

dream without hesitation

be there in your mind ~

The Horse

let go of regret
let go of remorse
take your worries
strap them to a horse
let it not wallow
let it not fret
let it merely ride
into the sunset
yaw! giddyup old friend
tomorrow I've more to send ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

Inspirational Quote

The essence of faith is to believe possibilities exist. 

- unknown

I Was Here

of the inconsequential and unsubstantial

you’ll count me not

I ran, I laughed, I slept, I cried

I loved, I yelled, I lived, I died

I mattered

so forget me not

put aside your sadness and fear

and simply know that I was here ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

Haiku

Another random Google image.

 
deep meditation
the mind, the body, the earth

now becoming one ~

Walking Proud

rising independently

one strong step follows another

striding coolly towards the uncertain

unafraid and unashamed

take a card but leave your name

whatever path you may embark

be sure to always leave your mark ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

Winter Haiku #3

winter's great divide

now leaves me cold and alone

stumbling in the snow ~

Yoga Girl

I found this cute pic on Google. I've been practicing yoga almost daily for the last week. I really find it relaxing, healthy for body, mind, and spirit. It's not as scary and intimidating as it used to be for me. Now that I know what I'm doing, I modify the poses to suit my own body. It's great for all ages, sizes, and fitness levels.

The River

notes falling softly

settling into a languid peace

a rolling brook of melody

carries the mind away

into a world of smooth tones and cadence

breathing melts into the gentle rhythm

and the heart quiets in the chest

so you can only feel

its mild beating at your core

as the music slowly sweeps you away

and gradually sets you adrift

on a river of inner peace

causing you to forget

your whilom life

embrace this calm for now

and never forget it ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

 

This is the short version of the song so press play and set it to repeat. Then close your eyes and take two deep breaths. Listen to your breathing in and out, and listen to the soothing melody. I find this song great for relaxing and meditating. It's from the Twilight score soundtrack.

To Be With You

if you get sick,
I’ll feed you soup and hold your hand

if you should fall,

I’ll pick you up and help you stand

if you get lost,

just turn around and I’ll be there

if you’re upset,

I’ll sooth your worries and stroke your hair

if you feel alone,

I’ll hold you near and give you a kiss

if you feel down,

I’ll write you a poem just like this

there isn’t much I wouldn’t do

if I had the chance to be with you ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

Love's Dowry

I promise summer’s weather all year ‘round

and wherever you should walk, petals on the ground

and if you will promise to stay by my side

a unicorn of white for you to ride

I promise all the firmament presented at your feet

an angel from heaven to sing you to sleep

and if you promise never to leave

a little one tugging at your sleeve

this I would promise for love’s dowry ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

Sublime

there's something you must know
my love for you, it isn't show
If your love falters, I'll put it right
I know what gets you through the night
If my love wavers, I'll right by force
above all, I want to stay the course
I don't wish to rock or misalign 
The precarious tenets of love sublime ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

Teetering

don't be careless with my heart
don't tear, don't break, don't fall apart
just stay strong and hold on tight
we'll get there by daylight
don't throw away what used to be
don't give up on you and me

don't be careless with my heart
I won't tear, or break, or fall apart
I'll just stay here and love you right
and we'll get there by daylight
I won't take your ring or leave my key
and I won't give up on you and me ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

Stars

sparkling like diamonds
in the crisp, clear autumn sky
shimmering beacons
of random pattern and size
companions of the moon
glowing in the pitch of night
lighting her path
from dusk 'til morning's light ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

Winter Haiku #2

Again, just picked a random photo off Google.

winter paints the earth

with blues, greens, and frosty white

better than Monet

Today I'd like to write a poem

It need not be long
or filled with cheery song

I wouldn't like it to be terse
nor sappy with romantic verse

It need not be an epic tome
so I'll write about a simple poem ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

Inspirational Quote

"Success is not to be pursued;
it is to be attracted by
the person we become."
- Jim Rohn

Winter Haiku

Again, I just grabbed this photo off of Google Images.

winter put to waste

what's now a barren landscape

aching for the sun

Peace

Of the lazy, quiet stream and mighty, raging river, I choose to be the stream.

 

But either way the water is taking the path of least resistance. 

We need to listen more closely to nature. 

To take the path of least resistance is sometimes exactly what we need.

Above all else, I seek peace.

Peace of mind and peace of life.

Your Eyes

your eyes are
glistening with fevered emotion

your eyes are

listening with love and devotion

your eyes are

the color of the Caribbean Sea

your eyes are

the wilderness of a canyon deep

your eyes are
moonlight and ocean tides

your eyes are

sunshine and butterflies

your eyes are

the fluid beauty of string quartets
your eyes are
the soothing sound of clarinets

and just in case I missed anything,

everything beautiful and wondrous in this world ~

 Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

My Writing Process

It's so strange how poems form for me sometimes. Tonight I was thinking "I'm bored, I'm going to write a poem." So I sat down and wrote the first words that came to me "In breath" and from there the poem just sorta happened. I didn't mean to rhyme the 2nd and 4th lines but I did, so I just went with it. Strange how poems come together out of thin air sometimes.

Love Spoken Softly

in breath held softly

in gentle kisses

of yesterday’s bouquets

and tomorrow’s wishes

in the stillness of time

in the blissful moments

of love spoken softly

and love’s components

in wistful touches

in trepid glances

of beautiful affairs

and brief romances ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

Honey

If I held the reins

Would you crack the whip?

If I brewed the coffee

would you take a sip?

let your love slide down me

like honey down a honey tree

let your love surround me

like Buddhists try to be

peaceful and free

If I held the world

Would you take a spin?

If I swam the channel

Would you jump in?

let your love slide down me

like honey down a honey tree

let your love surround me

like Buddhists try to be

peaceful and free ~

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

I wrote this song tonight. It's not very good. The melody is better than the lyrics. I've been following the moon phases and there's no moon tonight. Creepy. I don't know why but I just feel better with that giant beacon in the sky.

Autumn

I know my winds could be gentler

My skies could be clearer

My melody sweeter

It’s true, my grass could be greener

My sun could be warmer

My breezes more fragrant

I’ll never compare with

Spring’s excitement,

Summer’s joys,

or Winter’s fun

I guess I’ll just have to be me,

incomparably

the best darned season I can be!

Copyright ©2010 Angela Schofield

Another poem for the book. It's still coming along nicely. If it were to be printed today it would be about 50 pages long, but I'm trying to get to 200. It seems a long way off.