This morning the moon and the stars
played together to make a smile
but today my smile is missing
too much to hear and see
too much to stop my heart
too much of life destruction
too much of frightening changes
too much power in the wrong hands
none of which makes any sense
tonight I will look to the constancy of the stars
and the fickleness of the moon
to try an find some balance
in a world that has gone mad.
©2025 Noreen Braman
A double billing, surely a mistake
so easy to correct
just refund the money to my account
and we'll move forward.
But
they have a cozy little trick
saying you cannot get a refund
within 6 months of a previous refund
no matter that the first refund
was for cancellation of a service
and this request is for double billing
So
I wonder how many more duplicate charges
will now show up on my account
I call you out, Surfshark,
seems so contrary to your
"protect your computer" business.
it doesn't have a name or cause
preferring to be free floating
in early mornings an adrenaline shot
palpable physical fear
a wrap-around anxiety hug
that steals sleep's refreshment
creating difficulty to rise
detouring thoughts and daily plans
all from adrenal glands who won't play nice.
©2025 Noreen Braman
©2025 Noreen Braman
The last time the cicadas sang
the life and the work and the world
was different
and after seventeen years of silence
am I ready to sing?
©2025 Noreen Braman
The orange sun hangs over my work
proclaiming smiles and laughter for all
"come out and play, let's smile all day!"
fool your brain into releasing endorphins
be silly and build your resilience
for tomorrow is a country of unknown intent
where you may walk in joy the morning
but stop to weep at sunset
holding back fear of the coming night
holding breath until dawn
waiting for the orange sun to rise.
©2025 Noreen Braman
There are roads and paths and rocky terrains
filled with right turns and wrong turns and steep hills and flat plains
days and years with fellow travelers, and days you traipse alone
days of wonder and nights of wondering
thoughts of future bliss and past mistakes
while leaving trails full of u-turns and dead ends.
so easy to be discouraged in the face of disappointments,
dilemmas and catastrophes
darkening the sunlight, casting shadows over joy
and suddenly the roadway is replete with detours and warning signs
but the journey has been long, and only one placard keeps you going,
keep living on the smile side of life.
©2025 Noreen Braman
