Words My Soul Spoke Through My Hand...

The Warmest HUG!

I reach out and hold you in the warmest hug

A hug that erases 400  years of being enslaved by wrong thinking

A hug that reaches every man, woman child that has been hurt, scared and oppressed because of the color of their skin

I hold you up to the light so that even the blind can't deny your beauty, your equality.

I hold you up to the light of truth as it is illuminating the problem In ways that can no longer be ignored. 

I hold you up because today is yet another day that has knocked you to your knees begging God to make it all make sense.

I am opening my heart to you. I will hold a loving space for those who can not see the problem. That they may consider what it would be like if the tables were turned.

With an open heart, I will do what I can to comfort you. I understand radical change is the only way to move forward. This will not change the past but it will create a better future for us all.

With a pure heart, I will never be so arrogant to claim I know what it's like to walk around in black skin. 

I reach out my hand to you. I will hold it as you grab the hand of another and so on and so on. 

I reach out my hand in peace. My offering to you. I will echo your voices of frustration that call for solutions to this never ending cycle

I reach out my hand and raise my voice. I will not sit quietly as over and over black lives are lost senselessly.

I will march with you, cry with you, pray with you.

I will stand in the truth with you

I will share this truth without hesitation so others may start to listen.

I can not sit quietly in the face of injustice. 

I reach out and hold you in the warmest hug.

-Dawn Hoffman 

Almost 40 years of poetry...My first poem was about a Whale in the 1st grade. The Whale wasn't in the 1st Grade...I was....;)

The Field - 

Rumi tells us that there is a field between right and wrong

Emotions stirring for the manifestation of our hopes we long

We are the ones who are the masters. We get to decide

What we will accept as our truth and live with healthy pride

So many ideas of the way that life should go

And we keep moving forward as if we are the only ones who know

Then we shrink back in fear that perhaps we were wrong

And we may agree with dangerous beliefs just so we can belong

When are you going to wake up and see that peace can never be

If you only think in separation and the colors that you see

Peace is only found within your own heart

When you open your mind and let empathy be apart

Of the way we communicate to our fellow man

And only in this way can we set course on an effective plan

To quiet our fears start and truly understand

In order for the world to work we must take a stand

By closing our mouths, opening our ears and see a new way

And walk out into the field, I hope to meet you there one day.

6/17/16 

WELCOME TO AMERICA

Welcome to America. We are divided at this time.

Seems the United in the States has left us far behind.

Republications & Democrats fighting and spewing hate.

Kendrick & Beyonce being blamed for opening the racial gate.

If this is America and United we truly stand.

How are you helping by keeping basic needs from your fellow man?

The rich are getting richer while children try to survive

In Flint. Michigan they can’t drink the water.

Shouldn’t elected officials care about their lives.

There is talk of guns in High Schools. Open carry is just fine.

What happens when we play into the fear and the ones shot are yours or mine?

Demanding the 2nd amendment includes no background checks for guns?

In the Wild West of 2016, please tell me who has won?

We have people running for President.  All they want is the grand prize.

We need to vote for the one who has our Human Rights in mind. Please open your eyes.

We will never survive with division & hate.

We must take action it simply can’t wait.

Black lives matter, you should not get angry when it’s said

How many whites lives would it take for us to stand up for our incarcerated and dead?

I’m sure it’s a much lower number than what the black community has endured.

Please remove the racial biases and burning crossing from outside your doors.

There are many cultures and communities that have a justified fight.

We need to forgive the past, start fresh and all do what is right.

I learned pretty early on that I do not have to agree with anyone else’s way.

And that in striving to understand that peace will always rule the day.

You may not agree with same sex marriage, other religions or someone else’s style.

I wonder how much unity would return if you put on their shoes for a awhile.

Would you see the love their families, they’re faithful and they want a happy, healthy life.

Could you cross the aisle in love, compassion and end all this strife.

We are America the land of the free!

It is possible and necessary to think of more than Me, Me, Me!

No need to give up your possessions, just update your beliefs.

Our Ice Caps are melting. Stop giving the earth so much grief.

We need to think of each other, our planet and all who reside.

When I say “I am American”, I want to do it with pride.

Do what you can to end anger. It’s not too late.

Starting with refusing to accept the childish Presidential debates. 

The World is watching. I’m sure today’s example isn’t what any of us want to be.

If your daughter was raped would you want others to decide her destiny?

If you send your kid to war and he comes back in a chair

Should he be discarded with no nurturing, financial assistance or care?

We are divided and broken and it seems to me,

if we practice the Golden Rule none of this needs to be.

Do unto others as you’ll have done to you

Be kind to all people until your time here is through.

Straight, Gay, Black, Latino, Asian , Middle Eastern, Native American or White

We are all in this together so let’s try with all out might.

To find ways to live in Unity, Respect and Fun.

You must start teaching this within your homes for us to get er done.

The media in America keeps us focused on bad news, gossip and more hate.

I know there is a better way and it Definitely can’t wait.

Gmo’s, Monsanto, dying bees and polluted air

Instead of the bottom line about people’s lives they should care.

This should be our news feed “How we build a functioning Earth”.

How we valued each other and celebrated each Human’s worth.

They pressed Mute on America. Our votes should count on Capitol Hill.

While the people scream and shout they continue to force their will.

GOD BLESS AMERICA! Yes GOD, Allah, Buddha, please do!

I am certain that you are unpleased with American’s.

The approx.. 324 million pieces of you.

Let us see your reflection as we look out through our eyes

Let your LOVE fill our hearts and human kindness help us decide

Where is the field between right and wrong

And as Rodney King said, Can’t we all just get along?

- Dawn Hoffman 2/18/16

Radiant light shining
Fullness of God reflects
Bringing healing and joy to others
In way you did not expect
So grateful for your presence
So Wonderful to see you shine
May my heart be as giving to you
as yours has been to mine. 
- Dawn Hoffman
 

February 20, 2016

My heart beats and blood flows without effort. This is how I love. 

Written January 5, 2016 - Not sure for who yet. 

I want to feel you from the inside.

I want to see you touch the sky. 

I want to feel your love surround me

Never again will I ask why

for this time it lasts forever

This time it's crystal clear

all the false starts are behind us

no more delays ahead my dear

I will wrap my arms around you

I will shout up at the sky

I'm going to love you so completely

you'll never again ask me why

For all the fear has left the building

no wait, it's left our minds

and when we step forward into forever

each other is who we find

And I will thank my lucky stars

at the roads end I found you

each day from here forward

loving you is all I want to do

for my light shines even brighter

in the glow of your love

so clear you are the answer from God above

I know I sound like a young girl

In a fairytale at play

I can assure you I am a woman

who is elated to have you share her days

I almost lost my patience, gave up 

and left my dream behind

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for 

coming to me right on time. xoxo

October 8, 2015 

I read it was national poetry day and wanted to write something all day. I just took a few minutes and this came out. I'm sure I'd look for changes if I had more time. Perhaps this is for a love I am still to meet...

I am not looking for the one to complete me.
I am looking for the one who truly sees me.
I am not asking for every second of your time.
I am asking in every second we have we strive to be kind.
I am not asking you to promise forever today. 
I am asking to communicate along the way. 
I'm not asking to consume you or hold you back in any way. 
I am asking that we lift each other and share our joy each day. 
I'm not asking for a life without trouble that would be foolish to do. 
I am asking you to hold my hand and trust we'll make it through. 
I am not asking you to complete me. 
Although, right now , in my very full beautiful life,  you do! 
- Dawn

2/12/12

Rock and Roll Lover

Rock and Roll Lover it always seems like you are singing to me

You are inside my soul.  how can this be?

I love you like we’ve been lovers for many years

I am at every show don’t you hear my cheers?

I’m a groupie girl..

some call us whores

I’m a groupie boy

I’ll break down your doors

Rock and roll lover

You give me a thrill

Play another song

Give me my fill

You send me to places

Within my own mind

Places that only you can find

I’m a groupie girl

I’m such a big fan

I’m a groupie boy

Can I be your man

I know it’s your job

That is what you say

But I see the way you look at me

Like you’ll be mine one day

Please don’t be afraid

No don’t call the cops

I just love you so much

Okay – now I’ll stop

I’m a groupie girl

Some call me obsessed

I’m a groupie boy

I just think you’re the best!

(written after watching some crazy fans interviews)

ART & SOUL

Through my Art I will show you my soul

My words are my journal of the stories to be told

Released through the strings of this here guitar

Stirring up your passion, moving you from where you are

For your Art Stirs My SouL

Through your Art Stories told

Soulful music to my ears

Deep passion stirs my tears

The eyes to my soul your paint brush released

And the enchantment of the play has not within me ceased

Your artistic expression let's us peek inside

To the truth within your soul you might otherwise hide

For your Art Stirs My SouL

Through your Art Stories told

Soulful music to my ears

Deep passion stirs my tears

I hear your horn blowing like a whispering wind chime

And the Drummer beats his drum keeping us in time

Do you understand those words you sing could just as well be mine

As you release your art through your soul you leave us feeling fine

For your Art Stirs My SouL

Through your Art Stories told

Soulful music to my ears

Deep passion stirs my tears

I see you on the big screen so engaged in stories told

The writers catch our interest as their plots unfold

All the talent in our world in different ways expressed

Many forms of Art, which one do you like best

For your Art Stirs My SouL

Through your Art Stories told

Soulful music to my ears

Deep passion stirs my tears

You see me through your camera and suddenly I am caught

Forever telling the story of the essence you have sought

As you dance across the floor we are all swept away

by the beauty and the grace you so easily display

For your Art Stirs My SouL

Through your Art Stories told

Soulful music to my ears

Deep passion stirs my tears

The piano man shows us his classical style

or the Rock and Roll beat that makes us go wild

Whatever art form you choose to show us your soul

Our passion is stirred releasing the blocks that we hold

For your Art Stirs My SouL

Through your Art Stories told

Soulful music to my ears

Deep passion stirs my tears

Our excitement inside as we take it all in

You are our muse and give us permission for our expression to begin.

We release our hearts true song in many different ways

Thanks be to the all Artists that inspire us day to day

For your Art Stirs My SouL

Through your Art Stories told

Soulful music to my ears

Deep passion stirs my tears

by: Dawn Hoffman 2/26/13

Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - Ladybugs & Butterflies 

 Ladybugs & Butterflies, tell the stories of our lives

they see so clear, the truth be told

Do They Know? Oh Oh, do they know?

Ladybugs & Butterflies, tell the stories of our lives

They see your heart as pure as gold

Do They Know? Oh Oh, do they know?

Cause down the river they will fly

This wind blown song the reasons why

We can't say No, Oh Oh, Do they know?

Ladybugs & Butterflies tell the stories of our lives

Makes no sense but still we try

to walk away..ay..ay...from what they say

Ladybugs & Butterflies tell the stories of our lives

Wishes made and questions asked

But do they know? oh oh Tell me, do they know?

Perfect Connection    

Imagine a circle..

Complete. No breaks. No flaws

Perfectly Connected

Perfectly Round

It does not hope to be anything but itself

For there is no part that longs for more

It just is...without question

What happens inside the circle is explosive

It is creation

It is magic

Always renewing itself inside

Always remaining steady and true

For all outside appearances it is still a circle

And that moment shared within it perfection

Drive Away

 Once you start your engine

and you drive away

don’t turn your car around

as if it’s alright to stay

Looking back in your rear view mirror

to see what you’ve just lost

Won’t help you get away from it

you must pay the cost

A Broken heart

A Broken dream

A Broken promise

What does it mean?

 You’ve pulled up to my house

And you say you lost your way

You asked to hold my hand

It will take just one more day

And now you're back together

Never again to part

Loving more than ever before

Enjoying your fresh start

You’ve healed your broken heart

Your dreams have come true

The promise now fulfilled

You see only Love shining through

Destined

 There in the depth of my soul

I found thee trapped like a prisoner doing a life sentence

The cell was unlocked, nothing binding you to stay

The cell of your own heart whispered the truth

Two bound from the invisible knowing

Two beating the same heart created the spark

The flame that burns eternal to the rhythm of Love

The most beautiful song ever written

It calls out. It sings out to it’s match until the song is heard

The lovers go on singing

Once the notes hit their ears

And their eyes meet…

They know beyond any words that could ever be spoken

And then they Dance….

 Dawn Hoffman 7/2/11

The Wow Tree -  Wednesday, May 13, 2009

The Wow Tree grows outside my window

her branches full of leaves

she speaks to me quite softly

in the warmth of the summer breeze

 The Wow Tree grows in a meadow

close by the sea

she offers me shelter

As I rest beside her

I feel free

 The Wow Tree grows in the school yard

The children laugh & play by her side

They carve their names upon her

She wears them all with pride

 The Wow Tree grows in a garden

Flowers at her feet

With her majesty and grace

No other tree can compete

The Wow Tree grows in the Forest

Her friends all grow nearby

I love to look up through her branches

pressed against the bright blue sky

The Wow Tree grows everywhere

When we stop, look and really see

We'll hear her whisper on the wind

and we will find our serenity

inspired my my Wow Tree photograph

Another year has passed, a journey of dreams and grace,  

Reflecting on the lessons learned, in this ever-changing space.  

Grateful for the laughter shared, both old friends and new,  

Embracing the cycles of life, with skies of gray and blue.  

As the world keeps on spinning, with paths we can’t foresee,  

It feels like “SHINE BRIGHTER” is the mantra guiding me.  

This year has brought me kindness, like angels in disguise,  

Whispers of hope reminding me, even in lows, we can rise.  

What a beautiful life I’ve woven, richer than I once planned,  

With adventures waiting patiently, just a heartbeat and a hand.  

I’ll keep on creating magic, serving love, and seeking joy,  

Embracing the misunderstood, the unique in every ploy.  

For this journey around the sun is a treasure, pure and true,  

My wish for all is to believe that dreams can come to you.  

Trust that every step you take is leading to your light,  

And from the struggles that you face, a story will ignite.

Happy Birthday to me 

I made it this far :) 

Happy Birthday to me 

If we are our own planets then you are my stars :) 

Love Dawn