PATRICIA BRAY - POEMS

Patricia has an extended fascination with words. Expressing the voice of the heart into written form is one of her most treasured passions. She also has a flair for originating picture books for children.
Patricia is a lifelong resident of Ohio and welcomes online visits at www.authoritytoedify.com

The Chase
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The loss I once embraced
My arms encircle air
Searching to replace
Soon I came to realize
It’s all a useless chase

My mind cannot forget
The memory it wants to erase
My heart cannot forgive
I chased a dream
I couldn’t catch
It seemed so noble
But still and yet
It led me to a lonely cliff
A place of solace and regret
I thought I saw high regard
But in the end was no respect
The chase went on
As I ran faster
Then it was clear
It would end in disaster
What I wanted
What I was after
I thought was my slave
Became my master

Stop the chase
Just let it go
I have much more
Than I think I know
I am content
Not living for show
The chase is over
I let it go

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I Wish
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I wish I knew
What I don’t want to know
I wish I was where
I don’t want to go
I wish I could be
What I don’t want to live
I wish I could keep
What I don’t want to give
I wish that life
Wasn’t a gamble
I wish I could conquer
Not simply handle
I want to soar
Not lamely walk
I want conversation
Not idle talk
I want life 
That’s rich and full
I want to push
Not be pulled
If I could get
Just what I please
I wish for grit
Not colorless ease
Grit draws interest
with swirls of dispute
I wish for the storm
Not the calm of mute
I wish for the wings
Of a majestic bird
I long for a voice
That demands to be heard

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​Love’s Fire

Love is a burning fire that sears the heart and then
It finds that only one who is your spirit twin.
Love is a faithful fire that warms the chilly soul.
It casts its blazing embers and spreads a warming glow.
If I could trade the summer and exchange it for your love
I’d hold onto the winter for the fire of your love.
A thousand rainy Mondays of cold and damp and grey
Cannot dilute the passion love’s fire brought my way.
What started as a spark grew to a roaring flame.
Touched by your love’s fire, I will never be the same.
I didn’t ask for fire, wasn’t looking for it to be.
But while I wasn’t looking love’s fire found and branded me.



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Heartbreak Highway
​

I’m achin’ inside because of the ride you took me on.
Without a cause and hardly a pause you kicked me to the shoulder.
You kicked me out, the ride was done.
I thought we were on a journey of fun
And luvin’.
You didn’t stop on a dime or take the time to even open the door.
With one quick shove, I was out and you just kept on drivin’.
How could a ride start so sweet and end with roadside tragedy?
What I thought was the “Tunnel of Love” turned out to be “Heartbreak Highway”.
The hills and thrills became chills and spills when you chose another rider.
That seat I thought was mine alone is just a big bun warmer…
One pair after another.
I’m standing on the shoulder scraped and hurt and blue.
All I see in the distance is the back of dusty you.
You left me on the shoulder without even one to cry on.
With a great big push, I was out and you just kept on drivin’.

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​The Essence of You

You left my arms but your warmth remained.
Your body is gone but your fragrance stayed.
Your imprint is here on my mind and my heart.
You’re always with me even though we’re apart.
The essence of you is the breath that I breathe.
My morning, my night - you are all that I need.
Your intimate presence is tattooed on my soul
The allure of your essence more precious than gold.
Hollow is life without you in my view
I always will cherish the essence of you.

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