beauty is

in his look

on the cover
of a book

the leaf of a tree

a teller's smile out her window-
the lady bug tattoo on her toe

his crooked smile...
asleep on his
Italian bathroom tile

a fairy in the air
flying through
sparkles of dust

a unsolicited compliment...
a shooting star
that's heaven sent

breathing in the
stars of the sky,
midnight blue

as your birthday wish
comes true

love and moonlight

beauty is being

in love and dancing under

a summer’s night sky

the cool wind draws you

closer and closer still ’till

you both disappear

watching her

the light shines through your skin
the sun captures your billowing sleeve
slow, in the fragrant orchid breeze
of spring's conclusion

freedom and truth

fireworks
stars on parade
down Hollywood Boulevard

time stops

a show of color
of desire
freedom

thank you veterans

free to watch fireworks
pray to God
or Buddha
or my blanket if I choose

free to love
who I chose

free to realize
we are not all free

the suffering of one
threatens humanity

my bookstore

words of wonder line
knotty oak brilliant bookshelves
they share a coffee

love at the first word
from the poem he whispered
in Lord Byron's voice

Copyright Laurie Molloy

She Walks in Beauty by Lord Byron

lost in love

find yourself
on a grassy knoll
skipping in step
with your favorite song

find yourself
dancing with daisies,
singing to the moon

find yourself
find love

arrive home

go far

throw rocks at me
i'll build a garden wall

glare at me, I'll smile back

tease me and I will
take it as attention

at least i am noticed then

notice my strength,
I will see yours

i travel with ease,
with complements,
with a smile too share

this journey is too
short and too long
to travel with a glare