Beauty

I saw a handsome man today

he passed by me in the street

I smiled to myself

as I admired his style

and thought of the artistry

of the One who created him

I thought of him throughout the day

but when sitting across the table

from a most beloved beau

I realized that beauty

isn't what it seems to be

beloved beau

your eyes are more alive

than his will ever be

looking into them I see

the story of you and me

I read our history

in their green depths

your eyes may not be

framed by long dark lashes

but they are far more

enchanting to me

is beauty then all

that it seems?

or have we distorted it

confined it

limited it

created something

it was never meant to be?

that model may be marvelous

by typical standards

her features symmetrical

her lashes long and lush

skin clear, eyes bright

ideal body

and that is beauty

one part of it

not the whole picture

Dearest friend

cherished like a sister

your smile isn't beautiful

because your teeth are white

and somewhat straight

it's beautiful because behind it

I see the love

and happiness there

it's beautiful because

it lights up your face

and I can see

the worries fall away

the tension eases

and your stress lines

become laughing ones

your eyes

wrinkle with wry humor

so yes, stunning stranger

your fine figure caught my eye

but you will never be as beautiful

as my bosom buddy

your visage

though rather radiant

will never be as dear

as that of the friend

who was there through

thick and thin

beauty is more

than just symmetry

and sex appeal

it's the memories and moments

the love and laughter

captured by your features

so the next time you feel plain

remember that someone

thinks you beautiful because you

are quite simply

you.

Life

A young man died today. I didn't know him well, but as I sit here and remember the impact he had on my life and the life of so many others, I find myself in tears. He was so young and had so much potential and was so loved by his peers.

It could have been anyone. It could have been me, my best friend, my mother. It makes me realize just how fragile life is. We make all of these plans but really, all we have is this moment, right here and now. We want to believe we have longer and many of us do, but how are we to know what our future holds? Perhaps I will die tomorrow. Maybe I'll die tonight. Did I live a life that is worth remembering? Am I proud of what I've done? Did I make any difference at all?

I don't know the answer to any of these questions and that scares me to death. There's so much more that I want to do with my life, so many more plans that have yet to come to fruition, but what if I never have the chance to fulfill my goals? What can I do but try to make this moment, this very present matter? How do I fill each moment to its fullest potential? I don't know the answer to any of this. I can only raise these things to God and pray that he grants me peace of mind and an open heart.

One day we'll understand His plan for such tragedies as this. All of His mysteries will be revealed and our sadness and grief will make so much more sense. Until then, remember to live each day admirably and to its fullest. Never, never forget that each day, each breath is a gift and as such should be treasured. Don't take life for granted.

Rest Peacefully, Nick. You are loved and missed greatly.

Me in 150 Words or Less

I am

scholastic, sarcastic

caring, daring

artistic, linguistic

a little too much cussing

and not enough trusting

and while I'm being honest,

I'm not really the smartest.

I love reading

And have experience with leading.

I'm sympathetic, energetic,

And a little bit poetic.