I’m in love with the way
you dance across my door
beckoning, inviting me
once again to explore
You play with the wind
scattering your rays all around
filtering your lovely light
through the trees without a sound
Sometimes I notice your flecks
sprinkled across my wall
a kaleidoscope of prismatic colors
that I don’t mind at all
You’re a joy to behold
an extraordinary gift from the sun
shining your radiance upon me
and enthralling everyone
© 2026 Michelle Cook
Photo generated with AI
Another night
Another dream
Each one drifting
On a moonlit beam
Some were loving
Some were kind
Some were fashioned
To entice his mind
The days were short
The nights stretched long
Their appetites swelled
Unsatisfyingly strong
Daydreams came
And daydreams went
None could capture
Her intoxicating scent
Wondrous words
Wound their way
Over mountains and oceans
Resolved to stay
Years slipped by
As time stood still
Each day brimming
With vigor and thrill
Still, answers lingered
At the bottom of the sea
Forever just beyond
The lovers’ pleas
Exhausted, they yielded
To the pull of fate
Lost on a zephyr
Beguiled to wait
© 2026 Michelle Cook
Photo generated with AI
I stopped chasing people long ago
and those who wanted to stay, still remain
I’ve learned that we can’t hold on
to those who need a new view
We can’t stifle the ones
who we thought would stay forever
Every person has one life to live
If we don’t allow others to grow and change
and make their own decisions
then they won’t be able to live
the way they choose
I would never want to hold someone back
from following their dreams and ambitions
In fact, I’d much rather be completely alone
for the rest of my life
than to cause anyone heartache
Fortunately, I’m surrounded every day
by people who have chosen to be near me
and I cherish every single person
who has stood by me through thick and thin
I believe I have the best life
anyone could possibly have
because I’ve let go of those
who weren’t meant for me
© 2026 Michelle Cook
Photo generated with AI
It’s more than just saying goodbye to things
It’s breaking free from overwhelming desire
It’s relinquishing the constant yearning for more
It’s discovering the secluded shelter within yourself
It’s finding that place of complete acceptance and joy
It’s noticing the room of requirement within your soul
It’s spotting the harbor of hope that gives you courage
It’s unveiling the secret shelter where only you can dwell
It’s going inward to that realm of divine peace and love
It’s exploring the newfound sanctuary within your heart
It’s knowing that you are enough beyond all else
It’s learning to live without the rest of the world
© 2025 Michelle Cook
Photo generated with AI
I’m trying to be better about reaching out,
to be more intentional with my words,
but oh, how I fail miserably.
There is never enough time
for every person I love
and for every person who loves me.
I wrestle with being able to give enough of myself,
but at the same time,
I’m trying to save some of myself just for me.
Oh, what a predicament!
One day, I will be done trying;
my body will at last wear out,
and I’ll be lost to the wind,
scattered on some sorrowful breeze,
on some unexpected lonesome day.
Will I have done enough?
Maybe it won’t matter
because maybe in the grand scheme of things,
I am just me — a tiny particle of dust
who doesn’t stand a chance
of making any difference at all.
© 2025 Michelle Cook
Photo generated with AI
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