Pain has an element of blank;
It cannot recollect
When it began, or if there were
A day when it was not.

It has no future but itself,
Its infinite realms contain
Its past, enlightened to perceive
New periods of pain.

Some things that fly there be, —
Birds, hours, the bumble-bee:
Of these no elegy.

Some things that stay there be, —
Grief, hills, eternity:
Nor this behooveth me.

There are, that resting, rise.
Can I expound the skies?
How still the riddle lies!

Within my reach!
I could have touched!
I might have chanced that way!
Soft sauntered through the village,
Sauntered as soft away!
So unsuspected violets
Within the fields lie low,
Too late for striving fingers
That passed, an hour ago.

Success is counted sweetest
By those who ne’er succeed.
To comprehend a nectar
Requires sorest need.

Not one of all the purple host
Who took the flag to-day
Can tell the definition,
So clear, of victory,

As he, defeated, dying,
On whose forbidden ear
The distant strains of triumph
Break, agonized and clear!

Published in “A Masque of Poets” at the request of “H.H.,” the author’s fellow-townswoman and friend

Never Ever let anyone make you feel bad, guilty, change your mind, or stop
You from doing something Nice for someone.
Whether it’s for human or animal…
Acting, Helping, or being Kind
Should Never make someone angry,resentful,or blind.
You have a soul full of good intention
Please Refuse to lower your Morals,Standards or Protection…
Just to appease a ignorant person who has none.
If you know it’s right and you know It’s Kind… Don’t Ever Let Anyone
change your mind!

Written/Submitted by Stephanie RoseVelvet Johnson.

Today Consciously choose to act in a Positive way.
Giving out compliments,acknowledging to someone something attractive.
Maybe it’s showing more affection,appreciation,
or attention to a loved one.
Could be being more active or just having fun.
Being helpful or kind in any way.Finally doing
something you keep putting off everyday.
Showing a genuine smile to a stranger you meet.Giving to those who live on the street.
Maybe it’s saying “I’m sorry” to someone you hurt or Forgiving
someone after you said you were through.Whatever you decide to do…
Start TODAY by becoming Better than you already are, a sensational you!

Written/Submitted by Stephanie RoseVelvet Johnson.

Take the time often and listen to music
while relaxing or dancing.
You know… the one that speaks to your soul.
Makes you Happy, Inspired,Romantic or Peaceful & Whole.
Reflect on the feel Good moments you had,Have…and Dream the life you want to obtain.
Not any negativity,loss or pain.
Feed your soul the with the Love,Light & Positivity it craves…
Your mental and emotional stability it Saves.

Written/Submitted by Stephanie RoseVelvet Johnson.

Next time you feel emotional put on some music that moves you.
Express or Release, Dance… let it soothe you.
Rock to what goes with how You feel.
Music is a medicine that heals.
While your home alone or with a crowd,
Release & express your soul out loud.
Dance is your heart drum, your body song, your breathing.
It’s the rhythm of your being internally,expressed externally
to let go or emanate how your feeling.
Let inhibitions go & let your body overflow
with movement to the waves, rhythms & beats.
Dance it out, don’t hold back, Dance be free!
It’s the expression of Soul in time and movement in Love, happiness,
Lust, sadness, anger and envy…
A way to express Every emotion intently!
Let your Passion show & your body flow to the rhythm & melody.

Written/Submitted by Stephanie RoseVelvet Johnson.

What makes a person more Beautiful & Attractive
is a genuine smile.
A bright shining soul that can travel unlimited miles.
One who spreads Positivity & Love when they can,
and gives… Without a palms up hand.
Generosity,Understanding,Kindness,a sense of humor.
Someone that does Not spread hurtful rumors.
Someone who is confident,self loving, but does not brag about.
Someone who is Not racist,& knows we are all equal,
Gods people without a doubt!
Always seek in life to Beautify Yourself & Others too…
So they may pay it forward &
be inspired by what they saw you do.
What beautiful people we’ll have to look toward too!
Endless Blessings & good karma will be bestowed on you.
Infect & scatter joy & positivity…
Not pain, hate and negativity!

Written/Submitted by Stephanie RoseVelvet Johnson.

You’ve got the power to become
Beautiful or ugly
Which one will you become?
You’ve got the power
to see the light and not be blind
You’ve got the power to not be weak and
have a stronger mind
Be a friend or foe,
Hold a grudge or let it go-
You’ve got the power!

Written/Submitted by Dorsey Baker.