Does man truly have dominion over this world?

Over the plants and animals, the living things.

Leaving the weather and other-worldly things to God or the lesser gods?

Why do some need to exert such control?

Is it really the civilized thing to do?

Shouldn’t we really live our lives and

Let others live theirs?

Sure, protection from each other is needed;

I am not saying anarchy is any better;

Such is the folly for survival of the fittest.

But to build, we seem to first destroy.

Some insist that all life is precious,

Then commit wars in its name.

When the end of life is too painful,

We take our pets to the vet to do the humane thing;

But we allow for humans to suffer until the very end despite pleas for relief,

We take the rights of mothers away until the child is born;

But what if that child would still die,

Suffering through it’s only moments of life?

No, we must hope for a miracle, one that rarely, if ever, comes.

How can we call ourselves humane?

All because man believes he has dominion of this world.

All because someone in power is busy playing God.

Maybe one day we’ll figure this mess out.

I just hope it isn’t too late.

Tensions run high as the war starts.

Men with their subservient women applaud

Not understanding what they unleashed.

Soon, even the subservient will pay a price,

If no one steps up to stop the reversion of time.

What will be the next pillar to fall?

Treat me like a woman,

Tease me, hug me, talk to me too.

Have a little interest in me,

And I’ll build my world to include you.

One moment gently touch me, show you care,

Another time, throw me down and pull my hair.

Read my moods, or ask how I feel.

Both work great if you are sincere.

I’ll open my world to you when I feel love,

And I’ll stand by you when push comes to shove.

Isn’t that what it’s about, being there?

She screamed into the darkness in despair.

Not a sound echoed, not a sound returned.

The abyss swallowed her voice.

She trembled, but not from the cold.

There was…nothingness.

No heat, no cold. No light. No sound.

She’d fall to the floor if she could,

But there was no floor, no ceiling, no walls.

Her pale feathers wrapped around her as she balled up.

Tears welled in her eyes, but then disappeared.

There was no liquid, no dryness.

She closed her eyes, and the view was the same. Nothing.

She opened them again, peering into the dark.

Finally, something. Red in the darkness.

She heard a sound when she thought she was most lost.

Metal on metal. Boot to girder.

The emptiness had lied.

The plodding footsteps advanced.

Steadily and then they picked up speed.

She feared what was to come.

Was this the end?

She saw the crimson outline of dark wings.

Saturated in blood.

She shuddered, her white wings began to glow with blue light and stood on end.

She closed her eyes tight, flinching as he neared.

Then, the softest touch on her cheek.

She slowly opened her eyes.

His lips parted, his voice was as gentle as the softest lamb.

It’s okay. I am here.

When they touched, the darkness faded.

He scooped her up from her floating position.

In the light she could now see that she knew his face.

She was saved by his love once more.

His boots continued to clink against the ground.

Hours passed in the vastness, but their light helped lead them along their way.

Finally, he found the path that would lead to their escape from this dark place.

You know I’m yours, right?

She paused and looked at him shakily.

He took in a long breath.

He was hers too, but.

It isn’t time.

Her shoulders dropped.

Each lifetime they do this dance.

I know. It isn’t time.

He looked her over.

His heart divided.

Her heart divided too.

A tear rolled down her cheek.

He stepped toward her to dry it.

She stepped back and turned away.

Promise, don’t go too far?

I’m right here.

She pointed to her heart.

Always.

The cacophony of sound paused her heart.

Then the night sky lit up in lights.

The shimmering sparkles danced up above,

Oohs and aahs came from the crowd.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her close.

Another burst, and this time, their lips met.

The taste of strawberry awaited on her tongue.

He curled her brown hair behind her ear,

Then pulled her tight to him. No secrets to hide.

Another explosion midair sealed the deal,

another round of fireworks set for later that night.

You wouldn’t recognize it anymore.

There’s a paved walkway from one end to the other.

Crowds gather all day into the night.

Our quiet place is only quiet in the darkest of nights

Or the earliest of mornings.

The music is no longer 80s and 90s pop and country,

Now the air is filled with Caribbean and Latin sounds.

The beach is dotted with showers and changing stations,

And the life guard stands are much improved.

Some things have gotten better,

Some things have definitely changed,

The gentle waves and the sunsets are still awe inspiring,

But our beach will never feel the same again.

Gentle breeze come over me.

Help me find my breath again.

The sweltering heat surrounds.

The salt rises to the surface of my skin

with each drop of sweat from my pores.

My muscles twitch without much work.

Recovery from my own neglect is hard.

However, I push onward, I must to survive.