it was so much easier
to fall in love
when I was younger
I could see a set of
blue eyes and a
nice jawline in the street and
imagine our future together

how it would start with
his hands on my waist
rocking from
side to side, and then
he would push my hair back and
we would go on adventures and
all we would need is each other

Caislín had indignantly clasped his cloak around his shoulders and sighed. Her chilled fingers clutched the eagle’s wing that connected the golden braided loop on the other edge of his cloak. He may have sensed her hesitation to let him out of her sight, and enveloped her small hands in his weathered ones. He wasn't that much older than her, but his callused hands were those of a man of old age. They were gloved in soft black leather and were warm. She leaned her forehead into his chest and swallowed down her tears.

The whole kingdom was drunk on excitement.
The dawn was the most beautiful, seeming to be a good omen to the rest of the day. The horizon lightened until it was sapphire blue, which happened to be the kingdom’s virtue color. The sun blazed overhead and burned away any clouds that would ruin the ceremony.

Let me show you my garden, so you may understand why I love it as much as I do.
Here, on this ornate bench beneath the cascade of Rose vines, my heart first opened up to love. The hand that turned back the petals and revealed the heart was the hand that put this ring on my finger.
Here, under the boughs of these cherry blossoms, I learnt that this Love must die a young death.
'Twas walking between the rows of gardenias here that my broken heart was healed.

Have you ever looked at someone and suddenly realized what a treasure they are? And then you discover how much you love that treasure. Not because it's appearance is as garish as a jewel, but their personality shines as pure as gold. You love them the more you see them, yet deep inside you realize it is a treasure you will never hold as your own. But you can't stop hoping that someday, someone will have that priceless treasure to you, and tell you that it's yours forever.

World, I heard the lyrics that you sing
I’ve felt the pain that false love brings
I know the dark of depths of woe
I’ve seen the scars that few will show.

World, even music breathes your lies
Says hope’s sun sets in paradise
That sin’s allure’s your only happiness
But cannot reach eternal bliss.

World, your hope is fleeting, slipping fast
Your art reflects it; but, alas,
Your billions of feet tread the broadened path
That holds destruction in its grasp.

I hope you knew
That I loved you,
that you made me laugh
on the dreary days.

I hope you knew
That I admired you,
how you faced each challenge
with poise and strength.

I hope you knew
That I was inspired by you,
your bravery and courage
in times of turmoil.

I hope you knew
that I respected you,
for your tenacity
in breaking barriers.

I hope you knew
that I am grateful to you,
for always being there
and soothing my sorrow.

I hope you knew
what you meant to me.

It’s not fair
You were too young
too gentle
too kind.

It’s not fair
I won’t get to celebrate
your birthday
a few days before mine.

It’s not fair
We were the same age
yet I will see
a spouse, children
you will not.

It’s not fair
You left behind
two parents
lost in grief.

It’s not fair
No one will see
the sparkle in your eyes
or your charming smile
anymore.

Over snow-tipped peaks the sun ascends
Lavender dewdrops tossed by the winds
Grey tweed and a yellow dotted Swiss
To the young couple a walk of bliss
Eyes and hearts join the lips to smile
Tender whispers to fill the while
Fingertips brush lavender dewdrops
The sun's rays peep through piney tree-tops
Grey tweed, on one knee, pleads with the Swiss
Mister found his Missus in the Miss
A courting walk ended with lovers
A simple romance, just like others

With her whole body quivering in shock she let go of the dagger, and she ran.

***

He looked up as she walked through the doorway of the living area and headed towards the front door.

"Where are you going?"

"Out. Gonna walk a bit."

"With a backpack and a flashlight? Where are you walking to?"

The tips of her fingers tapped her denim thigh impatiently while she scrambled an answer together.

"It's been five days since Kent went missing, Jax. I have a feeling he's out there. I have to keep looking."