In the pool of our thoughts
some are hazy, reluctant to be
crystalized, cowering in the
deep consciousness yet with
a glim of possibility, like seeds buried
in the earth a bit too deep that

needs soft rain and time,
they hide in silence as
we explore round other ideas.
We cultivate our minds,

broaden the scope of perspective, only then
do the hidden thoughts surface as
gems and we value our continued endeavor
for new knowledge to create, to turn
what seems to be trite into something fresh.

by Byung A. Fallgren

Sunday afternoon
at the remote lake,
we teased naive fish,
listened to the
gabbing water at the shore,
laughing birds at the sparkling water–
love relationship with the nature unbroken.
On our ride back home, jealous rain pours
down, blinding us, while monster
trucks zoomed by, dumping more water
on the windshield,
his white knuckle around the wheel, then
sudden dazzling sunlight, we smile at the
vagary of Mother Nature, thrill, fun we
could’ve missed had we stayed home–
renewed appreciation for
the bountiful outdoors.

by Byung A. Fallgren

Perched on the bare tree with
sunshine by my side,
I dream of spring–
childhood habit, learning
spring comes only to fly away,
like unfaithful friend, tantalizing,
the void in the beauty of the season,
I’ll fill my empty room with the
tender greens and sweet scent of
May to keep the time a bit longer,
to indulge in her warmth.
High up in the tree, I perceive
wider and deeper world, smarter
not to dwell on foolish yesterday,
getting prepared for the coming season
to live fully, to leave with no regret.

©by Byung A. Fallgren

Myriad footprints,
the path settles
in the aura of golden years,
hidden glow,
thorns softened,
they walk hand in hand
on the same ol’ road
treading over fallen leaves
whisper as if to pay homage
to their love and patience,
bitter-sweet of
yesterday echoes today
of joy and worries for
grandchildren, boredom
subdued in evening dreams,
smile more–revival.

by Byung A. Fallgren

Your voice is
scratchy today, dear,
heavy, a metal ball
sunken in deep ocean,
for you worked
hard all day long,
to my mind,
it’s a gentle rustle of
autumn leaves,
for I hear you
with my heart.

by Byung A. Fallgren

Amongst
lack lusters
a gem
waits to be
discovered

*
Between the withered
petals, underneath soft
piles of the decaying
leaves, faded beauty
reflects on
the warm kisses,
dazzling smiles,
sweet aroma,
precious jewels of
memories,
hidden gem
amongst lack luster,
beneath the frost
she mends her
wings for tomorrow.

To my friend Regina, whose husband left her for
a younger woman: You are still beautiful.

Written by Byung A. Fallgren.
Image by Collin Andrew Maag.

We gathered on the doorstep
with the moonlight,
dazed by the balmy night,

yearning for the alfalfa and
wild roses, getting ready to fly

away. If only we knew an ol’ man
would spray the kill-mist,
cussing, “Teenage box elder bugs!”

If only we knew snowstorm would
pass through our way. In spite of
all that calamity,

some of us still hanging in
there. Like the ancients, we’ll
rebound; multiplying stars
in the purple field, redolent.

by Byung A. Fallgren

Life is a painting
in process;
we pause
to examine
it as an artist would
to assess the piece,
value of color,
smudged spot,
unbalanced composition..
we adjust and
steer it, yet
it tends to slip
backward like
a wayward child,
some fret and angry,
while others continue
on toward the light.

Recently an elderly man in our community has set
fire on his house and shot himself. Reason for his action
is not clear yet. It could be financial problem or loneliness.
This is one of many such tragedies in America. One wonders
why we call our country rich nation when our social security
system is inferior to others’ such as Germany, Japan, South
Korea, for example. Loneliness can be solved if we reach out
each other. Simple, kind act can save lives.

By Byung A. Fallgren