Month: August 2023

Eerie Silence

“Eerie Silence”

By Derek F

You wake up suddenly to the rain

It hasn’t fully registered in your brain

You’re as foggy as the gray clouds outside

And all you can do is go underneath the covers and hide

Maybe you’re not ready for the day to start

You were in and out of dreams that made you smart

It’s no wonder that you feel in a daze

Is this real or imagined like being stuck in a maze

There’s nowhere to go except up and down

You can’t wrap your finger around this quiet town

It feels different than most days

It makes you think that maybe you should blaze

You don’t have an answer for what you hear

You only know that it’s changed into another year

Are you in a time machine back in 1985

That Doc and Marty traveled in to feel alive

It just isn’t what you’re used to on this dreary day

When it’s been a hot summer, at least until today

It might explain why you’re slow to react

You can’t tell if it’s real or fake, which is a fact

There’s only a pause due to confusion

You try to block out the noise pollution

The difference is that it’s all in your head

Maybe that’s why you want to stay in bed

An eerie silence can play on your mind

It can cause chaos and alter the time

Normally, you’re calm and kind

An eerie silence could be a telltale sign

Is This Heaven

“Is This Heaven”

By Derek F

You take a drive to a real nice place

To escape from the noise without a trace

There’s peace and quiet when you arrive

It’s mother nature that makes you feel alive

Its surroundings remind you of what life is all about

The familiar outdoors warms your heart away from the doubt

It’s easy to see why you came all this way

To help offset the distractions on a pleasant summer day

You walk towards the gazebo that overlooks the shore

Instead of something loud, you hear a more calm roar

It’s that of the ocean as waves hit the beach

Even better, you stand above with it within reach

It makes for a perfect postcard on the way back, which is enough

Maybe you’ll show it to someone who enjoys that sorta stuff

Such lovely memories can be shared with each other

All it takes is someone cool to have one another

Is this heaven

Or is it just fantasy

Is this heaven

Let’s chill and make it reality

“Authentic, Not Fake”

I saw you today

But things were in disarray

I had a lot on my mind

You were pleasant and kind

You asked a good question about what I told you

My reply was a bit off due to a darker blue

Sometimes, you can’t control how you feel

If you get me, then you know I’m real

Loss is something we can’t control

It made me flashback when it took a toll

I feel so much pain for those we love

I know I’ll find the right words and rise above

I’ll see you later this week and explain better

It’s the least I can do for a go-getter

You deserve that for how I reacted

Next time, I’ll handle it with class and not be so animated

You’re an easy person to talk to

No matter what, you’re really cool

I’ve said it before, but you’ll go far

I see you up above like a shining star

You handle yourself with style and grace

You’re much more than a pretty face

I admire the way you carry yourself

That’s why in my book, you are a picture of wealth

It’s not about how much money you make

But rather that you’re authentic, not fake

That’s a good quality to possess in today’s modern world

It’s more priceless than diamond necklaces and pearls

You should know how rare that is

It’s why you’ll be successful no matter the biz

I see you raising the roof and giving some proof

While always representing yourself well and standing for the truth

I hope you smile and laugh a lot on better days

You deserve that for continuing to amaze

Don’t let anyone ever change who you are

Always believe, and you’ll be like that electric guitar

RIP 💜 🙏🏿

Somewhere up there

I know you’re smiling

You finally have peace and happiness

You were serious at times

But always made jokes

That’s how I’ll remember you when we say goodbye

It’s hard to believe that you’re gone

Thirteen years later, when we lost our brother in arms

Now, you’ll be reunited upstairs

I know you’re both still watching with love

We must honor you the best that we can

Heaven is a part of God’s plan

RIP 💜 🙏🏿 ✨️

“Sunshine”

“Sunshine”

By Derek Felix AKA DFlex

It’s an overcast late summer day

So, I took a drive towards the bay

I walked around and took it all in

Isn’t that what life is about, to win

It was a nice escape from the rest

Even if I’d already seen the best

A true beauty whose sparkle is forever

A friendly reminder no matter the weather

Your sunshine makes me smile

Your sunshine encourages me to stay a while

You are the cream of the crop

Someone cool who rises to the top

As I pass by the boating dock, I take some shots to brighten the mood

The scene isn’t the fourth, but it’s just as good

The sun shines brightly before the night

It’s like a pumpkin orange creating quite a sight

There are no fireworks on this Friday

But only warm thoughts of yesterday

The image of the sky paints a unique card

I wonder if I could pass it off to you as a reward

Your sunshine is on my mind

Your sunshine is truly one of a kind

What if I took you to the harbor one night

Would you enjoy my company and light up like dynamite

What I feel for you is something nice

You really have pretty eyes

And the coolest hair I’ve seen around

Your appreciation of the things I notice makes me proud

When I told you how well you handle things, you flashed that smile

I admire that quality and enjoy our conversations by the aisle

No wonder you make me think of that other dimension

One day, I’d like to tell you about it just to get your attention

Your sunshine is like a rainbow in the sky

Your sunshine makes me see you fly

You can stop me anytime

You’ll always be that bright sunshine

“Strawberry”

“Strawberry”

By Derek Felix AKA DFlex

Strawberry colors decorate the blue skies

With the sun fading fast behind the clouds

Lighting up our hearts like warm apple pie

Perched atop as flights pass by amongst a crowd

It reminds us of a sweet shortcake for dessert

That tasted luscious and scrumptious after dinner

The coffee washed it down for a fond memory

A flashback to a cold night out during the winter

The florescent sky highlights a late August day

Full of warmth as a full moon peeks out from behind

Taking us back to thoughts of yesterday

All you have to do is hit pause and press rewind

One day soon, we may find that bright light

That exists upstairs by the shining stars

Creating visions for all to admire tonight

Like that strawberry colored speeding car

The one you can’t take your eyes off of

It flies when you accelerate the gas

Rising to a new level that stands above

Giving off the vibe of a blast from the past

You can recall a classic firebird your Dad had

It left you full of wonder and amazement

What would it have been like if you drove that car

A speed racer with the perfect placement

It would be the realization of a dream

A kid’s fantasy that finally would come true

Almost like ordering a cake with flavorful cream

And pretty soon, you’d enjoy it like that sky blue

All you have to do is stay for a while

Then, let your imagination go to a magical place

Be happy, live in the moment, and always smile

Stay positive with a unique style and grace

The sun finally sets and runs away and hides

It leaves off a shade of purple, creating a maze

As an autumn wind suddenly glides

Leaving that strawberry color to end the day

A Special Response

Sometimes, when we’re dealing with stuff, we think we’re alone. The truth is that we aren’t.

There are many people who are going through the same things. Whether it be struggles such as anxiety, depression or even a loss of confidence, even people we would least expect to have battled these demons often do.

Such is the case with former star Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney. Best remembered for being part of the Fierce Five that took gold in the team event along with winning an individual silver for the vault, the former champion has overcome obstacles to become successful in life.

As has been well documented, Maroney was one of several female gymnasts who were sexually assaulted by disgraced former USA team physician Larry Nassar. It’s unthinkable what she and her teammates went through. They successfully sued Nassar, the United States Olympic Committee, and USA Gymnastics for $1.25 million in December 2017.

It’s hard to imagine how courageous Maroney was, along with her teammates in testifying in court against Nassar the gruesome details. She made a victim’s statement that helped lead to a 175-year sentence for Nassar. For what they did, the victims were awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award on May 16, 2018. A well-deserved honor for the young women.

Since retiring from gymnastics, Maroney has been an artist even releasing two singles. She’s also done guest spots in Geico commercials, which appeared two years ago. Those were pretty funny. Especially when she did her Not So Impressed face that she became famous for.

The thing is that despite all of the success that’s seen her even auction off unique paintings, she’s an authentic person. Having followed her on Instagram, she will post meaningful stories that hit home for her fans. She put up one on Tuesday that I identified with. I don’t usually respond to stories unless I feel obligated.

Really feeling like what she said in the voice-over to a well thought out statement on life struggles, I told her that I thought it was outstanding. So many people can use such life advice when things get tough. I recommended that she make it sharable. Little did I know that I’d receive a response from the one and only McKayla Maroney. It was a nice response to what I told her helped me over the past few months.

“Thank you so much Derek. We all have our struggles, so I know what you mean. The gym definitely can improve a lot. Very happy for you!! 🙏🙏🙏 It’s so important to enjoy the little things. Keep at it.”

I definitely wasn’t expecting it. There was one moment nearly two years ago where I responded to another story that I liked that she took time out of her busy schedule to send me a message and thank me. That was cool. Never did I ever think I’d get another thoughtful response from a great woman who gets it.

It proves one thing. Even the best people who you assume don’t go through similar battles do. Maroney is a great example of a good celebrity that understands how difficult the challenges can be. It’s uplifting to get a response from someone like her. It speaks to her character. Classy.

Here’s the post she finally put up on her Instagram that I’m glad she shared as a reel. It’s one many appreciate.

You’re welcome, McKayla! But really. Thank you so much for what you said. Those words of encouragement are extremely helpful and positive.

I know I’m not alone. Many will take that story she posted and use it to help grow as people. We all need that from time to time.

McKayla Maroney is an incredible person. God bless her. ✨️💜

Derek

“The Moon”

“The Moon”

By Derek Felix AKA DFlex

The moon watches over in full view

An image of gold above

Bringing us something new and cool

That shines brightly full of love

It creates a different vision

Painting another world in plain sight

Altering our life’s mission into wishing

What would it be like to be up in the moonlight

Would it change our perception

By seeing a very small place beneath

Things would be interpreted differently by our reception

What lies beneath is quite deep

“The Truth”

“The Truth”

By Derek Felix AKA DFlex

Every time I see your face

My excitement is noticeable

I’ve thought about you before

I even told you what you did for me

How much I admire the person you are

You are always very polite

Thanking me for what I say

You have a unique quality that I love

Sometimes, I wish we could be alone

That way, we could talk more about stuff

I never leave feeling empty

But rather wondering about who you are

It’s true that you are a shining star

Your smile could turn a rainy day into sunshine

Your eyes could light up the dark

Your manner could cool things off

Your style could melt my heart

You could keep me awake in bed

Left pondering what it takes

It’s getting close to September

Pretty soon, the warm weather will fade into cooler days

That’ll have perfect autumn nights to hang out

Maybe then, I’ll finally tell you

“A Winning Personality”

“A Winning Personality”

By Derek Felix AKA DFlex

A winning personality

Always shows

It warms up the city

When you glow

You wear it in how you dress

You show it in your eyes

Humor helps us feel blessed

Like that t-shirt you had on took me by surprise

We all need to smile and laugh

Simple things can lighten the mood

It makes me think you’d be a blast

It’s in the way you understood

Without charm, it would be dull

Playful words break the ice

Allowing us to stay under control

That’s why I think you’re nice