between the glass and the silver backing

There is something frightening

inside the mirror.

It is a fearsome thing that lives

between the glass and the silver backing.

When you look into the mirror

you do not see the one that you are,

you see the one that you are not.

One that is the exact opposite of you!

You see the bastard, here to take your life,

here for your soul.

This is wrong, a tree that grows backwards,

its roots to the sky,

its leaves under the earth.

This is a spring that follows summer,

an autumn that follows winter.

It is an evil chaos.

The bastard on the mirror,

Look, but don't believe.

And, friend, when you walk away,

do not dare to look back.

--james lee jobe 

"The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt." 

-- Sylvia Plath

LINK: Hello, a poem by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE

LITTLE WILLIE JOHN, My Love Is 

Dress up in your funeral clothes,

and kiss me in black. Hard times

are upon us. We must keep hope.

There are death streaks in sky,

and it rains without clouds.

We must also keep faith.

The flags are all at half-mast,

and wreaths hang on the doors.

Where is the strength we so need?

Kiss me in black, your tongue

against my flesh, we are still alive.

The answer is always love, just that.

--james lee jobe 

LINK: [Like a white stone] a poem by Anna Akhmatova - 1889-1966

Out for a fresh breath --

north wind in the pines.

--james lee jobe

"One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple."

"Maybe that's what life is... a wink of the eye and winking stars." 

— Jack Kerouac

"An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail." 

-- Edwin Land

From my patio you can see the park across the street. One can measure time by the laughter of the children who are playing in the park, you can hear them through the trees. It is a blessing. The sky changes color with the dimming of the golden light in the west. Later, when the night is strong, the starlight will bless me again. Families picnic, children run and play. From inside my house comes the music of Mozart, it is turned up loud, and here on the patio my wife catches my eye. She is smiling at me, which is also a blessing. I do not her ask why.

--james lee jobe 

Please support this blog with a small donation through the the Buy Me A Coffee link at the bottom of the page. Thanks.

May my neighbors turn to me in times of need,

and may I turn to them in times of plenty;

that I might always remember to give, to share,

and not just what I have, but also share what I am.

--james lee jobe 

LITTLE WILLIE JOHN, Fever 

"Loving thoughts and actions are clearly beneficial for our physical and mental health."

  — Dalai Lama XIV

"Know when to hold on, and when to let go. Our lives turn on the choices we make."

--james lee jobe

Please consider making a donation through the BUY ME A COFFEE button below. It's done safely online, and just takes a moment. Thanks! 

jlj