IMPOSSIBLE
A word to deny you, discourage you...........to make you doubt yourself.
Look beyond and look within.
I -M-Possible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Break it apart...break it down.
Do it!!!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
amazing monarch
Monarch Butterfly: An amazing journey and a future in doubt
I. Introduction:
Monarch butterflies by the hundreds were in the field before me. It was a sight that was simply beautiful and breathtaking. Why were they all here though? Did they come here to die together? The purpose was a mystery to me. The answer was even more magical than I could have imagined. They were heading home to ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Central Mexico where they spend the winters. This was a mass migration in progress. Wikipedia lists the Monarch butterfly's scientific name as Danaus plexippus, which in Greek literally means "sleepy transformation" (Wikipedia 2007). According to the article "Monarch Butterflies" on the World Wildlife Organization web site, the name, which evokes the species' ability to hibernate and metamorphism, actually inspired by a Greek myth called Danaus. His daughters flee Libya for Greece in order to avoid marrying their cousins (WWO 2007). The long, migratory journey of the Monarch butterflies is reminiscent of their flight. Where were they going? Why were they going? There are many theories about the journey taken by monarchs but there is no complete answer as mysteries remain. Their future is also in question.
II. The Cycle of Life:
"A flight of butterflies" by Jonathan Weiner talks about how the Monarch butterflies have a complete life cycle that takes them through a complete metamorphosis. This metamorphosis involves four different cycles or stages which are egg stage, larva/caterpillar stage, pupa, and adult stage. The adult monarch lives only a short time ranging from four to five weeks (Weiner 57). The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Forest Service web site makes clear the monarchs that leave in the fall are not the same monarchs that left Mexico last spring or even the ones that were around in the middle of the summer. This migrating generation which is sometimes called the "Methuselah generation" is headed back to Mexico is some 3 or more generations removed from the ones that began the journey from the overwintering site in the spring (USDA.FS 2007). Taking a moment or two to let this sink in, one truly begins to understand the amazing journey back to Mexico. The monarchs that leave in the fall have never been where they are going and there is no leader to show them the way. This is a journey that may be as far as 3,000 miles according to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Forest Service web site (USDA.FS 2007).
In "Migration of the Masses" Dalrymple and Gottfried discuss how the monarch butterfly adapts to survive. Nature or evolution has helped them make there journey by adapting their life cycle. The last generation born is different than the others over the summer. This last generation is in a reproductive dormancy that will aid the journey south. It will help the monarch conserve energy that is needed for the flight. Not only are they in a different sexual state but their life span has increased greatly as well. The migrating butterflies live seven or eight months. They make the journey and then "hibernate" at the overwintering site. Then when spring returns they finish their sexual growth, mating takes place, and new generations begin the flight northward with adults again only living four to five weeks (Dalrymple and Gottfried 1995).
The northward monarchs in the spring lay eggs that become grow to adults and the progression northward continues its progress until fall comes again (USDA.FS 2007). Normally three or four more generations will have evolved again before the migrating southward starts again. This also helps to build the population for the long journey that awaits this insect in the fall. It is the only insect that migrates this far and losses of population need to be replenished each year.
III. Masses on the move
As many as 300 million monarchs will make their way to the overwintering in Central Mexico in the Transvolcanic Plateau. The migration starts in August and continues through November and even December (Rankin 46). There are an unknown number of losses along the way from dangers in such a long journey. Storms, predators such as birds, and even humans (vehicles are not butterfly friendly) take their toll on the migrating monarchs (Hanson, To, Nguyen 1). If that is not enough they face more danger in Mexico where weather can play a larger role in killing thousands more monarchs through strong storms, temperature, and even snow may be present as they complete their journey. Those that make the journey are tired and ready to hibernate in the fickle conditions of the Transvolcanic Plateau.
They feed heavily on the nectars of flowers to sustain their daily journeys. "There does not appear to be a social grouping in the migration and monarchs may fly alone for up to six hours a day. They do not fly at night as they stop to rest in suitable trees (Dalrymple and Gottfried 36)." They have been measured at some 12 miles per hour and average 50-100 miles per day but the longest recorded one day total is an amazing 265 miles(USDA.FS 2007). The migration can take up to two months to complete (USDA.FS 2007).
The monarchs are believed to use a combination of things to get them where they need to go such as the Earth's magnetic field, the sun, and physical land forms (Hardman 3). They are able to orientate their direction by the location of the sun throughout the day and throughout their journey.
Researchers have even found small pieces of magnetite inside of the monarch's body. This naturally occurring magnet used to be called lodestone and was used in early compasses (Hardman 3). It is believed this small piece of iron that is affected by the Earth's magnetic field is a big piece in the migration of the monarchs (Etheredge 85). They are able to follow the magnetic field. This does not answer all of the questions though on how they travel.
Once the monarchs reach the mountains of Mexico they turn left and follow the mountains. This is crucial as the mountains lead to adequate supplies of food and water before eventually leading to their overwintering sites (Hardman 3). If they did not turn precisely towards their over wintering site as they enter Mexico they would fly directly into the Pacific Ocean, away from the shelter and food to survive the winter. The Sun helps guide them as does the Earth's magnetic field but how do they know to turn at that precise spot? It is believed they switch their navigational tools and now follow land forms such as the mountains (Hardman 3).
It is this unique combination that makes the migration possible for the monarch to reach the sites where it can survive the winter and keep the species going for generations to come.
V. Home and Their Future:
The long journey south ends at the wintering sites located in Mexico's high altitude fir forests of the Transvolcanic Range. "In this 20-by-40-mile strip of mountains, hundreds of millions of monarch butterflies find refuge in a dozen patches of forest at elevations of around 10,000 feet (Rankin 46)." This range is unique and yet the possibility exists that it could be gone as Mexico tries to balance the needs of the monarch with the needs of the farmers who desire the Oyamel fir trees. Only two of eleven known roosting sites are well protected today (USDA.FS 2007).
The battle to protect their home in the Oyamel forest is complicated as it puts human needs versus the monarch's needs. It is a battle the monarch's are not capable of fighting and yet is one they can not lose. The battle truly comes down to money and the farmers need for additional income (Brower et al. 346). In "Quantitative Changes in Forest Quality in a Principal Overwintering Area of the Monarch Butterfly in Mexico, 1971-1999" discusses how the Oyamel trees are valuable and harvesting them provides needed income. The current battle is trying to convince the farmers that there is another way to make money and leave the monarch habitat in place. The idea is to convert some of the farming areas into tourist locations. If the farmers can be convinced to see money by protecting the monarchs then the battle to protect the monarchs becomes easier. Currently, despite regulations and laws to protect the monarchs the forest is slowly disappearing (Brower et al. 346). Money wins the battle even if slowly.
As Hanson, To, and Nguyen make clear in their piece, "The migratory behavior of the monarch butterfly", the problems facing the monarchs are not limited to Mexico and their overwintering sites (Hanson, To, Nguyen 1). In Canada, on the other end of their northern range, has declared milkweed a noxious weed and it is illegal to grow it. If it is found in either public or government land it is destroyed. Monarchs only feed and lay their eggs on the milkweed. The Canadian Government has recently begun to make some butterfly reserves where milkweed is allowed (USDA.FS 2007).
In the United States milkweed is considered a nuisance and often is destroyed. Farmers kill it with pesticides and land that used to be left to wild flowers is often now replaced with grasses to look more appealing. The monarchs are facing a tough battle (USDA.FS 2007).
A reason for the battle is the fact that monarchs and their unique nature has only recently come to light. "Lepidopterists have been watching throngs of fluttering monarchs since at least the 1850's, but not until 1930 were scientists able to conclude with certainty that monarchs migrate south for winter and north in early spring (Rankin 46)." "Much of what biologists know is brand new (Rankin 46)." It was only in 1976 that Lincoln Brower even found the monarchs winter sites (Rankin 46).
He and his colleagues climbed to 9,000 feet, where they entered chill, foggy Oyamel fir forest. "We walked in along this trail that went down along a ridge for a mile, and we didn't know exactly where the butterflies were," Brower recalls. Then, abruptly, the deep greens of the firs were lost in a dazzling cataract of orange, and Brower realized he was looking at a wall of butterflies. "I couldn't believe the density and numbers," he says. "The next day it warmed up, and when the sun came up, the butterflies were flying all over the place. It was like walking into the Charles Cathedral and seeing light coming through the stained glass-windows. This was the eight wonder of the World." (Rankin 46)
VI. Conclusion:
Hanson, To, and Nguyen quote Feltwell from his book "The Natural History of Butterflies. Facts on File. Inc." published in 1986 that, "No other animal is more typical of a healthy environment, nor more susceptible to change, than a butterfly" (Hanson, To, Nguyen 1). These beautiful butterflies that make a miraculous journey are vulnerable to nature but their biggest threat is human nature. We must decide before they are gone if we can truly afford to lose them forever. Despite our ever changing World of concrete and technology they have survived and that is admirable. However, they cannot survive the loss of habitat and money should not be allowed to be the reason.
Works Cited
1. Brower, Lincoln. "Quantitative Changes in Forest Quality in a Principal Overwintering Are of the Monarch Butterfly in Mexico, 1971-1999".
_Conservation Biology_ 16.2 (2002) 346-59. _Academic Search Primer_.
EBSCOhost. SMCC Library, S.Portland, ME. 11 October 2007
< http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=7&hid=15&sid=4d6135db-c69a-4aab-ad2c-ab82e62ed816%40sessionmgr3>.
2. Dalrymple, Marcus. "Migration of the masses".
_Geographical_ 16.3 (1995) 36-39. _Academic Search Primer_.
EBSCOhost. SMCC Library , S.Portland, ME.
11 October 2007 .
3. Hardman, Chris Mackey. "Magnetic Migration".
_Americas_ 50.6 (1998) 3. _Academic Search Primer_.
EBSCOhost. SMCC Library. S.Portland,ME. 11 October 2007
< http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=10&hid=15&sid=4d6135db-c69a-4aab-ad2c-ab82e62ed816%40sessionmgr3>.
4. Rankin, Bill. "On the track of the monarch butterfly".
_National Wildlife_ 35.3 (1997) 46-52. _Academic Search Primer_.
EBSCOhost. SMCC Library. S.Portland, ME.
11 October 2007..
5. Etheredge, Jason. "Magnetic Personalities".
_Economist_ 353.8147 (1999) 85. _Academic Search Primer_.
EBSCOhost. SMCC Library. S.Portland, ME. 11 October 2007.
.
6. "Monarch Butterflies." _World Wildlife Organization_. 15 October 2007.
7. "Monarch Butterfly." _Wikipedia._ 27 November 2007. Wikimedia Foundation. 28 November 2007.< http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch_butterfly>.
8. Hanson, Karen, Nicki Nguyen, and Hein To. "The Migratory behavior of the Monarch Butterfly." _Butterfly Website_ 30 October 2007
.
9. United States Department of Agriculture:Forest Service. "Monarch Butterfly North America's Migrating Insect." 27 August 2007. _Washington: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture:Forest Service_. 29 November 2007.
< http://www.fs.fed.us/monarchbutterfly/>.
10. ..> --> D(["mb","..u003cdiv style..u003d.."direction:ltr.."..>..u003cspan class..u003dsg..>..u003cbr /..>..u003cbr /..>--..u003cbr /..>New Online Store!!! Visit it today. Lloyd..'s Journey prints, calendars,..u003cbr /..>tiles, cards, and more!!!..u003cbr /..>..u003cbr /..>..u003ca onclick..u003d.."return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this).." href..u003d.."http://www.cafepress.com/lloydsjourney.." target..u003d_blank..>http://www.cafepress.com..u003cwbr /..>/lloydsjourney..u003c/a..>..u003cbr /..>..u003c/span..>..u003c/div..>",0] ); D(["ce"]); //--> ..> Weiner, Jonathan. "A FLIGHT OF BUTTERFLIES." _Sciences_ 23.3 (May 1983): 57. _Academic Search Premier_. EBSCO. SMCC Library, South Portland, ME. 30 November 2007. .
I. Introduction:
Monarch butterflies by the hundreds were in the field before me. It was a sight that was simply beautiful and breathtaking. Why were they all here though? Did they come here to die together? The purpose was a mystery to me. The answer was even more magical than I could have imagined. They were heading home to ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Central Mexico where they spend the winters. This was a mass migration in progress. Wikipedia lists the Monarch butterfly's scientific name as Danaus plexippus, which in Greek literally means "sleepy transformation" (Wikipedia 2007). According to the article "Monarch Butterflies" on the World Wildlife Organization web site, the name, which evokes the species' ability to hibernate and metamorphism, actually inspired by a Greek myth called Danaus. His daughters flee Libya for Greece in order to avoid marrying their cousins (WWO 2007). The long, migratory journey of the Monarch butterflies is reminiscent of their flight. Where were they going? Why were they going? There are many theories about the journey taken by monarchs but there is no complete answer as mysteries remain. Their future is also in question.
II. The Cycle of Life:
"A flight of butterflies" by Jonathan Weiner talks about how the Monarch butterflies have a complete life cycle that takes them through a complete metamorphosis. This metamorphosis involves four different cycles or stages which are egg stage, larva/caterpillar stage, pupa, and adult stage. The adult monarch lives only a short time ranging from four to five weeks (Weiner 57). The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Forest Service web site makes clear the monarchs that leave in the fall are not the same monarchs that left Mexico last spring or even the ones that were around in the middle of the summer. This migrating generation which is sometimes called the "Methuselah generation" is headed back to Mexico is some 3 or more generations removed from the ones that began the journey from the overwintering site in the spring (USDA.FS 2007). Taking a moment or two to let this sink in, one truly begins to understand the amazing journey back to Mexico. The monarchs that leave in the fall have never been where they are going and there is no leader to show them the way. This is a journey that may be as far as 3,000 miles according to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Forest Service web site (USDA.FS 2007).
In "Migration of the Masses" Dalrymple and Gottfried discuss how the monarch butterfly adapts to survive. Nature or evolution has helped them make there journey by adapting their life cycle. The last generation born is different than the others over the summer. This last generation is in a reproductive dormancy that will aid the journey south. It will help the monarch conserve energy that is needed for the flight. Not only are they in a different sexual state but their life span has increased greatly as well. The migrating butterflies live seven or eight months. They make the journey and then "hibernate" at the overwintering site. Then when spring returns they finish their sexual growth, mating takes place, and new generations begin the flight northward with adults again only living four to five weeks (Dalrymple and Gottfried 1995).
The northward monarchs in the spring lay eggs that become grow to adults and the progression northward continues its progress until fall comes again (USDA.FS 2007). Normally three or four more generations will have evolved again before the migrating southward starts again. This also helps to build the population for the long journey that awaits this insect in the fall. It is the only insect that migrates this far and losses of population need to be replenished each year.
III. Masses on the move
As many as 300 million monarchs will make their way to the overwintering in Central Mexico in the Transvolcanic Plateau. The migration starts in August and continues through November and even December (Rankin 46). There are an unknown number of losses along the way from dangers in such a long journey. Storms, predators such as birds, and even humans (vehicles are not butterfly friendly) take their toll on the migrating monarchs (Hanson, To, Nguyen 1). If that is not enough they face more danger in Mexico where weather can play a larger role in killing thousands more monarchs through strong storms, temperature, and even snow may be present as they complete their journey. Those that make the journey are tired and ready to hibernate in the fickle conditions of the Transvolcanic Plateau.
They feed heavily on the nectars of flowers to sustain their daily journeys. "There does not appear to be a social grouping in the migration and monarchs may fly alone for up to six hours a day. They do not fly at night as they stop to rest in suitable trees (Dalrymple and Gottfried 36)." They have been measured at some 12 miles per hour and average 50-100 miles per day but the longest recorded one day total is an amazing 265 miles(USDA.FS 2007). The migration can take up to two months to complete (USDA.FS 2007).
The monarchs are believed to use a combination of things to get them where they need to go such as the Earth's magnetic field, the sun, and physical land forms (Hardman 3). They are able to orientate their direction by the location of the sun throughout the day and throughout their journey.
Researchers have even found small pieces of magnetite inside of the monarch's body. This naturally occurring magnet used to be called lodestone and was used in early compasses (Hardman 3). It is believed this small piece of iron that is affected by the Earth's magnetic field is a big piece in the migration of the monarchs (Etheredge 85). They are able to follow the magnetic field. This does not answer all of the questions though on how they travel.
Once the monarchs reach the mountains of Mexico they turn left and follow the mountains. This is crucial as the mountains lead to adequate supplies of food and water before eventually leading to their overwintering sites (Hardman 3). If they did not turn precisely towards their over wintering site as they enter Mexico they would fly directly into the Pacific Ocean, away from the shelter and food to survive the winter. The Sun helps guide them as does the Earth's magnetic field but how do they know to turn at that precise spot? It is believed they switch their navigational tools and now follow land forms such as the mountains (Hardman 3).
It is this unique combination that makes the migration possible for the monarch to reach the sites where it can survive the winter and keep the species going for generations to come.
V. Home and Their Future:
The long journey south ends at the wintering sites located in Mexico's high altitude fir forests of the Transvolcanic Range. "In this 20-by-40-mile strip of mountains, hundreds of millions of monarch butterflies find refuge in a dozen patches of forest at elevations of around 10,000 feet (Rankin 46)." This range is unique and yet the possibility exists that it could be gone as Mexico tries to balance the needs of the monarch with the needs of the farmers who desire the Oyamel fir trees. Only two of eleven known roosting sites are well protected today (USDA.FS 2007).
The battle to protect their home in the Oyamel forest is complicated as it puts human needs versus the monarch's needs. It is a battle the monarch's are not capable of fighting and yet is one they can not lose. The battle truly comes down to money and the farmers need for additional income (Brower et al. 346). In "Quantitative Changes in Forest Quality in a Principal Overwintering Area of the Monarch Butterfly in Mexico, 1971-1999" discusses how the Oyamel trees are valuable and harvesting them provides needed income. The current battle is trying to convince the farmers that there is another way to make money and leave the monarch habitat in place. The idea is to convert some of the farming areas into tourist locations. If the farmers can be convinced to see money by protecting the monarchs then the battle to protect the monarchs becomes easier. Currently, despite regulations and laws to protect the monarchs the forest is slowly disappearing (Brower et al. 346). Money wins the battle even if slowly.
As Hanson, To, and Nguyen make clear in their piece, "The migratory behavior of the monarch butterfly", the problems facing the monarchs are not limited to Mexico and their overwintering sites (Hanson, To, Nguyen 1). In Canada, on the other end of their northern range, has declared milkweed a noxious weed and it is illegal to grow it. If it is found in either public or government land it is destroyed. Monarchs only feed and lay their eggs on the milkweed. The Canadian Government has recently begun to make some butterfly reserves where milkweed is allowed (USDA.FS 2007).
In the United States milkweed is considered a nuisance and often is destroyed. Farmers kill it with pesticides and land that used to be left to wild flowers is often now replaced with grasses to look more appealing. The monarchs are facing a tough battle (USDA.FS 2007).
A reason for the battle is the fact that monarchs and their unique nature has only recently come to light. "Lepidopterists have been watching throngs of fluttering monarchs since at least the 1850's, but not until 1930 were scientists able to conclude with certainty that monarchs migrate south for winter and north in early spring (Rankin 46)." "Much of what biologists know is brand new (Rankin 46)." It was only in 1976 that Lincoln Brower even found the monarchs winter sites (Rankin 46).
He and his colleagues climbed to 9,000 feet, where they entered chill, foggy Oyamel fir forest. "We walked in along this trail that went down along a ridge for a mile, and we didn't know exactly where the butterflies were," Brower recalls. Then, abruptly, the deep greens of the firs were lost in a dazzling cataract of orange, and Brower realized he was looking at a wall of butterflies. "I couldn't believe the density and numbers," he says. "The next day it warmed up, and when the sun came up, the butterflies were flying all over the place. It was like walking into the Charles Cathedral and seeing light coming through the stained glass-windows. This was the eight wonder of the World." (Rankin 46)
VI. Conclusion:
Hanson, To, and Nguyen quote Feltwell from his book "The Natural History of Butterflies. Facts on File. Inc." published in 1986 that, "No other animal is more typical of a healthy environment, nor more susceptible to change, than a butterfly" (Hanson, To, Nguyen 1). These beautiful butterflies that make a miraculous journey are vulnerable to nature but their biggest threat is human nature. We must decide before they are gone if we can truly afford to lose them forever. Despite our ever changing World of concrete and technology they have survived and that is admirable. However, they cannot survive the loss of habitat and money should not be allowed to be the reason.
Works Cited
1. Brower, Lincoln. "Quantitative Changes in Forest Quality in a Principal Overwintering Are of the Monarch Butterfly in Mexico, 1971-1999".
_Conservation Biology_ 16.2 (2002) 346-59. _Academic Search Primer_.
EBSCOhost. SMCC Library, S.Portland, ME. 11 October 2007
< http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=7&hid=15&sid=4d6135db-c69a-4aab-ad2c-ab82e62ed816%40sessionmgr3>.
2. Dalrymple, Marcus. "Migration of the masses".
_Geographical_ 16.3 (1995) 36-39. _Academic Search Primer_.
EBSCOhost. SMCC Library , S.Portland, ME.
11 October 2007 .
3. Hardman, Chris Mackey. "Magnetic Migration".
_Americas_ 50.6 (1998) 3. _Academic Search Primer_.
EBSCOhost. SMCC Library. S.Portland,ME. 11 October 2007
< http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=10&hid=15&sid=4d6135db-c69a-4aab-ad2c-ab82e62ed816%40sessionmgr3>.
4. Rankin, Bill. "On the track of the monarch butterfly".
_National Wildlife_ 35.3 (1997) 46-52. _Academic Search Primer_.
EBSCOhost. SMCC Library. S.Portland, ME.
11 October 2007.
5. Etheredge, Jason. "Magnetic Personalities".
_Economist_ 353.8147 (1999) 85. _Academic Search Primer_.
EBSCOhost. SMCC Library. S.Portland, ME. 11 October 2007.
6. "Monarch Butterflies." _World Wildlife Organization_. 15 October 2007.
7. "Monarch Butterfly." _Wikipedia._ 27 November 2007. Wikimedia Foundation. 28 November 2007.< http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch_butterfly>.
8. Hanson, Karen, Nicki Nguyen, and Hein To. "The Migratory behavior of the Monarch Butterfly." _Butterfly Website_ 30 October 2007
9. United States Department of Agriculture:Forest Service. "Monarch Butterfly North America's Migrating Insect." 27 August 2007. _Washington: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture:Forest Service_. 29 November 2007.
< http://www.fs.fed.us/monarchbutterfly/>.
10. ..> --> D(["mb","..u003cdiv style..u003d.."direction:ltr.."..>..u003cspan class..u003dsg..>..u003cbr /..>..u003cbr /..>--..u003cbr /..>New Online Store!!! Visit it today. Lloyd..'s Journey prints, calendars,..u003cbr /..>tiles, cards, and more!!!..u003cbr /..>..u003cbr /..>..u003ca onclick..u003d.."return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this).." href..u003d.."http://www.cafepress.com/lloydsjourney.." target..u003d_blank..>http://www.cafepress.com..u003cwbr /..>/lloydsjourney..u003c/a..>..u003cbr /..>..u003c/span..>..u003c/div..>",0] ); D(["ce"]); //--> ..> Weiner, Jonathan. "A FLIGHT OF BUTTERFLIES." _Sciences_ 23.3 (May 1983): 57. _Academic Search Premier_. EBSCO. SMCC Library, South Portland, ME. 30 November 2007. .
lonley days
Lonely days
..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
So many days it is just me. I hear no voice during the day other than my own. My phone does not ring. My door is free of anyone knocking. I sit and wonder how it became this way. I wonder why and I plain and simply cry. Not too big a man to shed a tear. No to big a man to lend a tear. No not me but then again it seems I only hear from those when they need to lean on me. I am here for you and you and you. I mean it too. Can't you be there for me too? My pain is the same as yours but to be your friend does it mean that my pain is less? I tell myself so and I won't turn my back on you. Yes, I've got your back even when you don't have mine. I am sad. Sad the days go on and yet I have heard for none. Anxiety has cost me so much. It has changed me in many ways but one day I will return to form. I know that day lies ahead and while do not know when I do know that it does exist. That life is my cup to fill and someday runneth over. I hike alone but know that the trail is mine to follow and that the journey is sure to make me smile. Others have walked these paths before and many will after I have gone on. I just wish that once in awhile you would walk with me too. To laugh, to talk, to smile, to just simply enjoy the view.a friend is what I desire. I am a big man but sometimes I need to lean to. My heart is tender and yet it is never enough to just be what I am now. Anxiety keeps me on edge and others simply do not understand. I do what I can so please understand. Can't you still be my friend?
Feeling loney…feeling lost ………..on simply way too many days. Where does the trail lead? What is my ultimate journey? Questions but no answers…….
..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
So many days it is just me. I hear no voice during the day other than my own. My phone does not ring. My door is free of anyone knocking. I sit and wonder how it became this way. I wonder why and I plain and simply cry. Not too big a man to shed a tear. No to big a man to lend a tear. No not me but then again it seems I only hear from those when they need to lean on me. I am here for you and you and you. I mean it too. Can't you be there for me too? My pain is the same as yours but to be your friend does it mean that my pain is less? I tell myself so and I won't turn my back on you. Yes, I've got your back even when you don't have mine. I am sad. Sad the days go on and yet I have heard for none. Anxiety has cost me so much. It has changed me in many ways but one day I will return to form. I know that day lies ahead and while do not know when I do know that it does exist. That life is my cup to fill and someday runneth over. I hike alone but know that the trail is mine to follow and that the journey is sure to make me smile. Others have walked these paths before and many will after I have gone on. I just wish that once in awhile you would walk with me too. To laugh, to talk, to smile, to just simply enjoy the view.a friend is what I desire. I am a big man but sometimes I need to lean to. My heart is tender and yet it is never enough to just be what I am now. Anxiety keeps me on edge and others simply do not understand. I do what I can so please understand. Can't you still be my friend?
Feeling loney…feeling lost ………..on simply way too many days. Where does the trail lead? What is my ultimate journey? Questions but no answers…….
white blanket
White Blanket
Trees draped from top to bottom in white.
From an all too wintry night.
Pure was the driven snow.
Sticking to all, coating a new.
White here, white there too.
Snow like a blanket on the ground too.
How deep I wondered was the snow?
From my perch I could not know.
I bundle from head to toe.
Ventured forth into the snow.
Pure white was the snow.
Blinding me as I ventured forward.
Blue skies now as the gray has faded.
A sun shines from the heavens.
The snow is deeper by the step.
Covering my ankles, my shins, all the way up to my knees!!
Cold is the snow but warm I am all bundled.
I stand before a big tree covered with its new white blanket.
I look up in amazement.
The tree shakes and down comes the blanket.
A snow storm just for me!!!
Oh so fun I get to play.
It crashes around me but never seems to stop.
Up and up the pile grows.
Now up to my nose!!
BBBrrrrr….the snow is so cold.
I wiggle and wiggle till I come free.
Boy that was fun for me.
I head to the next tree to do it all again.
Isn't winter just so much for me.
Trees draped from top to bottom in white.
From an all too wintry night.
Pure was the driven snow.
Sticking to all, coating a new.
White here, white there too.
Snow like a blanket on the ground too.
How deep I wondered was the snow?
From my perch I could not know.
I bundle from head to toe.
Ventured forth into the snow.
Pure white was the snow.
Blinding me as I ventured forward.
Blue skies now as the gray has faded.
A sun shines from the heavens.
The snow is deeper by the step.
Covering my ankles, my shins, all the way up to my knees!!
Cold is the snow but warm I am all bundled.
I stand before a big tree covered with its new white blanket.
I look up in amazement.
The tree shakes and down comes the blanket.
A snow storm just for me!!!
Oh so fun I get to play.
It crashes around me but never seems to stop.
Up and up the pile grows.
Now up to my nose!!
BBBrrrrr….the snow is so cold.
I wiggle and wiggle till I come free.
Boy that was fun for me.
I head to the next tree to do it all again.
Isn't winter just so much for me.
so we danced
I looked into your eyes.
So warm and inviting.
My heart seemed to race.
Beating faster and faster.
I was lost in a daze.
The music played.
I wanted to pull you closer.
I wanted to hold you longer.
No not now...maybe never.
Our eyes locked yet again.
Chemistry so hard to ignore.
Once in a lifetime?
A dream come true.
Not for us to know.
We drew nearer and nearer.
Our lips set to touch.
Yet they must not.
Oh how good it would be.
If only you would let it be.
I pulled you close.
I wanted to hold you closer.
Smell your hair.
Kiss your neck.
You drew back.
Looked in my eyes.
Said lets dance.
So we danced.
You in my arms.
Me never wanting to let go.
We swayed to the song.
I wished it would never end.
Can I hit replay?
So close to my heart.
Yet just out of reach.
So we danced.
Then you said goodbye.
In my heart I am still dancing.
Replaying the song.
So we dance on and on.
So warm and inviting.
My heart seemed to race.
Beating faster and faster.
I was lost in a daze.
The music played.
I wanted to pull you closer.
I wanted to hold you longer.
No not now...maybe never.
Our eyes locked yet again.
Chemistry so hard to ignore.
Once in a lifetime?
A dream come true.
Not for us to know.
We drew nearer and nearer.
Our lips set to touch.
Yet they must not.
Oh how good it would be.
If only you would let it be.
I pulled you close.
I wanted to hold you closer.
Smell your hair.
Kiss your neck.
You drew back.
Looked in my eyes.
Said lets dance.
So we danced.
You in my arms.
Me never wanting to let go.
We swayed to the song.
I wished it would never end.
Can I hit replay?
So close to my heart.
Yet just out of reach.
So we danced.
Then you said goodbye.
In my heart I am still dancing.
Replaying the song.
So we dance on and on.
handing me pieces
Handing me pieces
Girl I am so confused by you.
So much has gone on between us.
So much love.
So much pain.
Heart bursting with love.
Heart bursting from pain.
Pieces falling to the ground.
Girl what do you want from me?
Tell me so I can give it to you.
You hand me the pieces to put my heart back together.
Seemingly just to lure me back in.
Just when I am feelin whole you knock me down again.
Pieces fallin all over the ground.
It is like a damn merry go round.
Don't you know what you are doing to me?
Picking up the pieces.
Handing the pieces to me.
One a time till I fall back in line.
Till I march to your song again.
Your beat is my beat.
Till the next time I fall to pieces.
One day baby..one day soon.
I am gonna take my pieces and leave you.
The only bursting my heart needs to do is from love girl.
And that certainly ain't you.
Handing me the pieces is all you know how to do.
It is so sad for you.
I have collected my wits.
Got all the pieces to my heart.
Goodluck to you.
Girl I am so confused by you.
So much has gone on between us.
So much love.
So much pain.
Heart bursting with love.
Heart bursting from pain.
Pieces falling to the ground.
Girl what do you want from me?
Tell me so I can give it to you.
You hand me the pieces to put my heart back together.
Seemingly just to lure me back in.
Just when I am feelin whole you knock me down again.
Pieces fallin all over the ground.
It is like a damn merry go round.
Don't you know what you are doing to me?
Picking up the pieces.
Handing the pieces to me.
One a time till I fall back in line.
Till I march to your song again.
Your beat is my beat.
Till the next time I fall to pieces.
One day baby..one day soon.
I am gonna take my pieces and leave you.
The only bursting my heart needs to do is from love girl.
And that certainly ain't you.
Handing me the pieces is all you know how to do.
It is so sad for you.
I have collected my wits.
Got all the pieces to my heart.
Goodluck to you.
leave your mark
Leaving a mark
Are you like me?
Am I like you?
A question to ponder.
Look at the color of my skin.
Is it different from yours?
Does it matter?
It shouldn’t.
My gender, does it matter?
It shouldn’t.
My age?
My name?
My country?
My God?
No, they shouldn’t.
I breathe in air just like you.
My heart beats as does yours.
That matters.
We are much the same.
Am I worth more than you?
Is my house bigger?
My bank account larger?
The food I eat better?
I tell you it doesn’t matter.
In the end my friend.
We both end up with the same fate.
The breath we take ends.
One way or the other it simply ends.
You are like me.
Leave your mark.
Be someone who matters.
Leave the World a better place.
Leave those around you with a thought.
It will last longer than money.
Longer than any physical gift.
Leave them with a memory.
Leave them with an inspiration.
May others find inspiration?
May others find hope?
Help them, encourage them.
Show them the way.
Leave your mark!!!
Are you like me?
Am I like you?
A question to ponder.
Look at the color of my skin.
Is it different from yours?
Does it matter?
It shouldn’t.
My gender, does it matter?
It shouldn’t.
My age?
My name?
My country?
My God?
No, they shouldn’t.
I breathe in air just like you.
My heart beats as does yours.
That matters.
We are much the same.
Am I worth more than you?
Is my house bigger?
My bank account larger?
The food I eat better?
I tell you it doesn’t matter.
In the end my friend.
We both end up with the same fate.
The breath we take ends.
One way or the other it simply ends.
You are like me.
Leave your mark.
Be someone who matters.
Leave the World a better place.
Leave those around you with a thought.
It will last longer than money.
Longer than any physical gift.
Leave them with a memory.
Leave them with an inspiration.
May others find inspiration?
May others find hope?
Help them, encourage them.
Show them the way.
Leave your mark!!!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
empty soul
Empty soul
My soul is empty.
I wander like a rudderless ship.
I am like the blackened night.
Blood as cold as ice.
Eyes uninspired by the World around me.
I trudge forward aimlessly.
No hope and only despair.
Save me from the darkness.
Show me the light.
My soul is empty.
I wander like a rudderless ship.
I am like the blackened night.
Blood as cold as ice.
Eyes uninspired by the World around me.
I trudge forward aimlessly.
No hope and only despair.
Save me from the darkness.
Show me the light.
head down
I’M SITTIN HERE WITH MY HEAD DOWN.
Nobody else around.
Just me and my sorrow.
Just me worrying about tomorrow.
I can’t seem to find a reason why to keep going on.
Without you here by my side it is a lonely World for me.
You were gone so quick that I didn’t even know we were in trouble.
I’m sittin here with my head down.
A tear or two dropping from eyes.
They seem to come right from my heart.
You didn’t even say goodbye.
How can I go on without you?
How can I move to another day?
I can’t imagine going on without you.
I am sittin here with my head down.
Hoping you will come back to me.
Hoping your shadow will block the sun before me.
Hoping you come back to me.
Nobody else around.
Just me and my sorrow.
Just me worrying about tomorrow.
I can’t seem to find a reason why to keep going on.
Without you here by my side it is a lonely World for me.
You were gone so quick that I didn’t even know we were in trouble.
I’m sittin here with my head down.
A tear or two dropping from eyes.
They seem to come right from my heart.
You didn’t even say goodbye.
How can I go on without you?
How can I move to another day?
I can’t imagine going on without you.
I am sittin here with my head down.
Hoping you will come back to me.
Hoping your shadow will block the sun before me.
Hoping you come back to me.
Our fairy tale.
Our fairy tale.
I am a dreamer.
I am a believer.
A hopeless romantic too.
There is a dream.
A dream I want to share with you.
One were words are few.
The connection is deep and true.
The love a fairy tale too.
Two souls becoming intertwined.
Two hearts beating as one.
A love that moves as one.
Love making that rocks each ones World.
Is it just a dream?
Can it be reality?
Hope is life.
Dream a little dream.
Wish upon a star.
Imagine you and me.
A dream come true.
A heart beating with anticipation.
With hope, with love, from the soul.
They say it is but a fairy tale.
I say it is the truth.
Imagine you and me.
I can feel it in my soul.
I can feel it in my heart.
I can feel when I think of you.
I will dream the dream.
I will live the life.
Our fairy tale!!!
I am a dreamer.
I am a believer.
A hopeless romantic too.
There is a dream.
A dream I want to share with you.
One were words are few.
The connection is deep and true.
The love a fairy tale too.
Two souls becoming intertwined.
Two hearts beating as one.
A love that moves as one.
Love making that rocks each ones World.
Is it just a dream?
Can it be reality?
Hope is life.
Dream a little dream.
Wish upon a star.
Imagine you and me.
A dream come true.
A heart beating with anticipation.
With hope, with love, from the soul.
They say it is but a fairy tale.
I say it is the truth.
Imagine you and me.
I can feel it in my soul.
I can feel it in my heart.
I can feel when I think of you.
I will dream the dream.
I will live the life.
Our fairy tale!!!
Yesterday, today, tomorrow
Yesterday, today, tomorrow
I saw you called today.
My heart skipped a beat or maybe two.
I thought maybe I was dreaming of you.
Thought maybe you dialed the wrong number.
You couldn’t have meant to dial mine.
No you couldn’t have meant to dial me.
I checked it again and it was still there.
Right before my eyes.
You had called me.
What was I to do now?
Call you back now?
Or maybe wait for you?
So hard to say because I loved you so.
So hard to say because you crushed me too.
Left my heart in shambles.
Let our dreams crumble.
Left me with and empty soul.
Left me with so many questions.
Left me feeling like a broken man.
Left me all alone.
Oh my did I love you.
Girl spun me right round.
Just the sound of your voice.
My heart would beat a little faster.
I, I revolved around you.
You were my sun.
My moon.
My everything.
You say you loved me.
You say you needed me.
I am standin here all alone.
When I was down you were not to be found.
Gone, gone like dust in the wind.
Leavin me stand all alone.
Out in the cold.
Tears fallin.
Broken.
Now you call me.
I have only begun to heal.
The pain is only begun to fade.
The heart beats again.
I had to pull myself up.
Build myself back up.
Get on track and fill my heart up.
Now you call.
Why now…oh girl..why now?
Have you got some salt for my healing wounds?
Ready to bring me to my knees again.
Ready to finish me?
Or do you love me?
Baby I loved you so.
Oh girl more than you will ever know.
The phone rings now.
It is you again.
Oh baby I want you so.
Oh baby I need you to know.
To know I loved you so.
How can I answer this call?
Baby how can I not answer this call?
Spinnin me right round right now.
Ring, ring, ring……
I can’t talk to you.
I can’t go back again.
I can’t turn to you.
Not when I have just found me.
You are yesterday.
I am livin for today.
Hopin for tomorrow.
You, you are yesterday.
I saw you called today.
My heart skipped a beat or maybe two.
I thought maybe I was dreaming of you.
Thought maybe you dialed the wrong number.
You couldn’t have meant to dial mine.
No you couldn’t have meant to dial me.
I checked it again and it was still there.
Right before my eyes.
You had called me.
What was I to do now?
Call you back now?
Or maybe wait for you?
So hard to say because I loved you so.
So hard to say because you crushed me too.
Left my heart in shambles.
Let our dreams crumble.
Left me with and empty soul.
Left me with so many questions.
Left me feeling like a broken man.
Left me all alone.
Oh my did I love you.
Girl spun me right round.
Just the sound of your voice.
My heart would beat a little faster.
I, I revolved around you.
You were my sun.
My moon.
My everything.
You say you loved me.
You say you needed me.
I am standin here all alone.
When I was down you were not to be found.
Gone, gone like dust in the wind.
Leavin me stand all alone.
Out in the cold.
Tears fallin.
Broken.
Now you call me.
I have only begun to heal.
The pain is only begun to fade.
The heart beats again.
I had to pull myself up.
Build myself back up.
Get on track and fill my heart up.
Now you call.
Why now…oh girl..why now?
Have you got some salt for my healing wounds?
Ready to bring me to my knees again.
Ready to finish me?
Or do you love me?
Baby I loved you so.
Oh girl more than you will ever know.
The phone rings now.
It is you again.
Oh baby I want you so.
Oh baby I need you to know.
To know I loved you so.
How can I answer this call?
Baby how can I not answer this call?
Spinnin me right round right now.
Ring, ring, ring……
I can’t talk to you.
I can’t go back again.
I can’t turn to you.
Not when I have just found me.
You are yesterday.
I am livin for today.
Hopin for tomorrow.
You, you are yesterday.
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