Solitude 2-4-2014

It's quiet,

densely quiet.

The only sound is the crunch

as I take a step.

I just want to  be at rest,

and keep the quiet, still.

Take in the silence 

and contemplate on my life.

And the simpleness 

That everything can be,

If we just let it.

By Paula Contreras

Invisible 9-5-2012

Invisible

I live in an invisible world, 

It is my invisible world.

A world I have made because

I don't stand up for myself.

I don't make myself important.

Everyone else is more important than me

And now, I am invisible.

I look into the mirror and 

I do not see me, I see someone else.  

I am invisible.

Where am I, 

She left years ago to raise children

And to keep a husband.

Her dreams are gone, but hopefully

Not forgotten.

I hope soon she will show herself to me,

And become visible once again.

                       P. Contreras 

Flying 8-15-2012

Flying

Floating, dipping, gliding,
I feel so light and airy.

lifted up and weightless
I go without a care.

My mind is free,
My body benign.

I'm floating away,
More dreams to find.

No troubles do I have,
My cares are simply none.

In my dreams I'm flying
And every battle I have won!

                        P. Contreras

Manners 2003

Manners it seems have flown out the door.
People are rude to each other, what's more.

I say let's invite all our good conduct back,
Say hello to each other, let's get back on track.

Here it all is and it's well worth repeating...
Like saying something that's close to a greeting!

How about on your way out, holding open the door,
For the stranger with the package, and children and more.

Could you smile a big smile at all the strangers you meet,
Then see how it spreads through the crowd, through the street.

Saying "Thank you" and "Please" and other nice words,
Might make this a better place, if only you've heard.

Say "Hello" to the girl at the grocery stores stand,
You'll make her day and it goes hand in hand...

The smile that she gives you as you leave her store,
The very next customer will get a bit more.

Spread the news let them hear,
It's about love and good cheer.

It's about giving and seeing,
And seeing is believing,
That the best of us all is well worth receiving!

                                  P. Contreras

Living 5-20-1983

Can you see into my eyes,
Down deep into my soul?
If you can and look close enough,
You'll notice that it's cold.

I've stood by the fire
To get myself warm,
To try and thaw my heart.
But the only way to ease the cold
Is to step in all, not part.

I can't imagine myself out there,
I've always been in here.
And when someone held out
Their hand to me,
I always turned  for fear.

The only way for me to go is
Look and jump myself,
Or live a lonely, loveless life
Of living on a shelf.

             P. Contreras