ISBN: 9798172571572

A book of poetry that offers a mixture of works about life experiences. Poems that embody the moments of upsides: love, family, friends, home, and kindness. Poems that also display the downsides: challenges and setbacks; illness, loss, addiction, depression. Life is a journey which they may all be a part of. This collection reflects moments in the journey.

Home

My little plot in the universe

Where I maintain my existence.

My safe shelter

From the chaos of the urban world.

My safe harbor

From the tides of nature.

My all-inclusive resort

Offering all the amenities

Lodging, food, drink, and entertainment

Relaxation

Without ever having to leave.

My little piece of heaven

Answer to my prayers

Happiness, peace, and comfort.



Beauty of Touch

Profound joy ...

the first feel

holding and touching

a newborn baby’s skin.

Caring ...

hugging a friend.

Meaning ...

hearty handshakes

a pat on the back.

Intimacy ...

caressing a lover’s body.

Love ...

an unforgettable wedding day kiss.

Pleasure ...

the soft velvety feel

of flower petals

in your hands.

Precious moments ...

stroking the soft fur

of your lifelong companion.

Welcoming ...

a warm embrace

upon a loved one’s return

from a call to duty.

Warning ...

encounters 

with a prickly cactus.

Eternal ...

holding the hands

of a loved one

in their final days.

Life’s Road



Straight and narrow

Curved and wide

Bumpy, zig-zagged 

Forks in the road

Sunny and bright

Easy to navigate

Dark and cloudy

Difficult to find our way

Light at the end of the tunnel

Simple and carefree

Traditional, unique, rebellious

Less traveled

Weathered and worn

No guaranteed destination

Except for the final one.

Enjoy the road

Along the way.

A Book of Treasured Friends

Blank pages

became chapters

absorbing the beginnings and impetus

of our friendship. 

Bound together

by a glue

holding the pages

of our lives together.

Pages blossomed 

filled with the highs, the lows,

joys, sorrows, achievements and setbacks.

A novel 

offering all the twists and turns 

we navigated together

through the years.

Final chapters

created and embellished

with weathered tales

of our memories.

Acknowledgment of dear friends.

Rita is an Army veteran and retired nurse. She has published over 40 poems in various literary publications. Her flair is free verse poetry. She published her first poetry chapbook in November 2025, titled Seasonal Poetry, available on Amazon. Click here to extracts from this title.