I wrote my first poem since June of 2025, when the pups died. It has been on my Todo-ist list coming up regularly, but each day I would simply tick it off as done without even considering putting words together in a rhyme or rhythm. 

Then, somehow the other day I thought maybe it was time.

At the moment, I am working on a new collection for my second volume of poetry probably to be entitled Above the Clouds, since the first one out is Leaving the Clouds. Clouds have always held a fascination for me ever since I was young. Regardless of the science behind how they are formed or the various types that exist, I was enthralled with the idea that we can see shapes or create stories from these floating puffs of white. Somehow, the transient nature of them also suited my levels of imagination and attention. 

Also, whenever I felt a sense of gloom, I would find myself looking outside my window and looking up to the sky. When I read about God’s promise to Noah and mankind that he would not destroy the Earth again by sending a rainbow, I always keep my eye out for the reminder when the clouds are dark yet the sky has pockets of light.

Still, my all-time favorite way to watch the clouds is when the sun rays pierce down and out over the land casting shadows and light that always give me hope in the potential balance of mankind.

So, it is in this way of thinking that I was able to finally reconnect with the inner poet. While I was never worried that I might not write another poem, it did surprise me at how much it would ache whenever I would even consider trying to put short form words and sentences together. Poetry is truly a window into a soul. The starts and stops give like a heartbeat flash of who we are inside. 

Despite my practical nature and acceptance of life or death, I still grieve for my little pups who gave us love and joy for three short years. The wound had definitely gone to my soul so that it was hard to express myself in pockets of poetry. But, now, I think it’s softened into a tender place that leaves a nostalgic smile on my lips with a sadness in my eyes that I didn’t get to age with them. Yet, I can now look at their images and remember the blessings they gave to me/us.

And so, the words have begun to flow again. 

There are still more to come to create a full collection, but it is nice to be able to say I’m back to opening some windows of my soul.

~T 🔥🐉♋️