Welcome To My Blog

 

To help you select the stories and poetry you might want to read, below is the list of all posts made to my blog since its inception. Posts are listed in chronological order from the first post made on April 18, 2019, until the most recent post (The most recent post appears first on the blog). Please browse the list of posts to find the titles that most intrigue you. Then do one of the following:

 

1.         Place the title of the post in the space beneath the header, “Search This Blog.” With regard to poetry, a post may contain more than one poem. You may have to insert the first two poems listed to find what you want. Then click on search. The posting should appear at the top of the screen for you to read. Or . . .

 

2.         Using the date a particular posting was made, go to the “Blog Archive” to the right of the posts and click on the particular month in which the poem or short story was posted and scroll down until you find what you would like to read. Please note that if you scroll through all the posts on the screen and don’t find what you are looking for, below the last post on the screen, on the right, are the words, “Older Posts.” Click on this and you will find the additional posts made during the particular month you have selected. Scroll through these until you find the story or poem you wish to read.

 

Enjoy the journey, as you read the creations of my heart and my mind.

 

Thank you.

 

Alan

Alan Lowe
Poet and Writer

slolowe@icloud.com

https://slolowe44.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

 

Strangers meet on the street. Do they have a future together? Time will tell.           

 

They seem as different as night and day. However, two hearts blend and they ask . . .

 

 

“Were We Meant To Be?”

 

I’m unsure how to tell you this.

It’s something important you can’t dismiss.

 

I’m having a hard time getting it out.

I’ve got to do it; you need to know what it’s all about.

 

Please give me a chance to say my piece.

No, don’t reach for the phone to call the police.

 

He didn’t listen and tried to grab the phone off the table stand.

I didn’t know what to do to make him understand.

 

The look on his face frightened me.

But I knew I had to try my best to make him see.

 

My body shook in a way it had never done before.

I began to remove my clothing and each piece dropped to the floor.

 

I understood what he saw was hard to believe,

But it was the only way, my life I could retrieve.

 

He appeared to be shocked and full of grief.

However, now knowing the real me should be a great relief.

 

Coming from outer space many years ago,

I transformed myself in a way no one would know.

 

Then a beautiful creature, an earthling who blended in,

I met him on the street one day and made his head spin.

 

But as the years passed, I tired of playing the game,

And began to live in a reality of shame.

 

I loved him with all my heart,

But knew becoming his forever mate wouldn’t be smart.

 

Staring at me, his eyes bulged out and his jaw dropped down.

My hair became bright blue, my skin turned red, and my lips were brown.

 

My ears grew to two feet long and my nose became a black dot on a small ball.

With arms, now more like butterfly wings, I stood over seven feet tall.

 

I knew it was the right time to go and travel back to my home in space.

I’d accomplished all I’d set out to do and needed to return to my birthplace.

 

As I thought about the journey I’d take, my mind drifted away.

But then the unbelievable happened and I didn’t know what to say.

 

The earth creature of my dreams began to look more and more like me.

He winked and said, “My darling, I am you and you are me, together we were meant to be.”

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

Living a long life is something we all hope for. We do the best we can to make it happen.

 

However, it is not always easy, because . . .

 

  

The Odds May Not Be In Our Favor

 

     Four women sat alone in the Golden Garden Retirement Village Clubhouse staring out the window onto the golf course. Four minds wandering and wondering what the future might bring. Then one leaned over and . . .

     “You want to go to the Singles Club dance in two weeks, Karen?” Debbie asked.

     “I don’t know, Debbie. There’s always so many more women than men there—a seven to one ratio, I heard.”

     “Well, we danced with each other at the last open dance night.”

     “Yeah, that’s what I’m saying. I was married to Sam for fifty-five years. And he’s been gone five. It’s time to move on, but not with you, Karen.” And then . . .

     “Hey, I know you girls aren’t speaking to me, but I can hear every word.”

     “Okay, Sarah, so you can hear every word. You want to be part of our conversation?”

     “Sure. Let’s make it a threesome.”

     “No, it’s a foursome,” Isobel, shouted.

     “All right, ladies. It’s a foursome,” Debbie responded. So let’s put our heads together and figure out how to make this work so we’re not stuck dancing with each other.”

     “Maybe the Singles Club dance isn’t the way to go,” Isobel stated.

     “What are you saying?” Debbie asked. “If not the Singles dance, then what?”

     “Aren’t there other clubs that hold dances?” Isobel queried.

     “Yes, but all their members are married,” Karen said, with certainty.

     “Hell, we’d probably end up in divorce court,” Sarah yelled.

     “So, does that mean we have to barhop?” Debbie asked.

     “But I don’t drink,” Isobel moaned. “My vote for barhopping is definitely, ‘no way!’”

     “What are you doing, Sarah?” Karen inquired.

     “A bit of research?”

     “Huh, what kind of research?” Debbie asked.

     Sarah smiled. “I’m looking through the ‘Golden Garden Retirement News.’”

     “What for? There’s never anything interesting in it,” Debbie stated emphatically.

     “Until now, I would have agreed with you,” Sarah replied.

     “What’s changed now?” Debbie queried.

     “A brand new club, with over one hundred members, is having a one-month celebration. It’s inviting anybody who wants to come to a ballroom dance to just show up. No charge. This is our opportunity to find the one,” Sarah chanted. “And I’m going.”

     “Me, too!” Isobel yelled.

     “I’m on board!” Karen stated strongly.

     “I guess it’s unanimous then,” Debbie said. “What’s the date?”

     “This Saturday, 7 pm, in the Golden Garden main ballroom. Dress like you’re going to a prom,” Sarah announced, enthusiastically. “I’ll drive my plush Subaru SUV. Just be outside your homes by 6:30 pm, and I’ll whisk you away to paradise.”

     Saturday arrived and Sarah made the rounds, picking up her three cohorts. They chattered about how wonderful the evening would be. Arriving at the clubhouse, Sarah parked the car and the quartet made their way into the building’s main ballroom.

     When they entered, all they saw were many women mingling and enjoying the hors d’oeuvres. Where were the men? And then one appeared in the center of the room, dressed in a tuxedo, and wearing a badge that said, “Marcus Goodman, Host.”

     With Sarah in the lead, they walked up to him. She stared him in the eyes and blurted, “This is a ball, isn’t it?”

     “Why, yes,” Marcus replied.

     “Then where are the men?” Debbie asked.

     “There are four standing by the bar,” Marcus answered.

     “Only four? Where are the others?” Karen queried.

     Marcus looked at us with an eerie expression on his face and muttered, “Dead.”

     “You can’t be serious. How did they die?” we asked in unison.

     “You women killed them.”

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

You can never predict the future with certainty. Too many things can intervene.

 

Life has its ups and downs. You live for today, and wonder about . . .

 

 

The Day After

 

“Yes, I can do that. I’ll get to it the first thing Monday morning.”

I hung up the phone and breathed a sigh of relief.

It looked like I’d have a weekend free of work responsibilities.

I cleared my desk and stared out the window.

Beautiful clouds draped the horizon.

 

I thought about what tomorrow might bring.

When I awoke the next day, everything seemed as it should be, nothing unusual.

Breakfast was casual, the weather was fine.

It appeared that an ordinary Saturday lay ahead—

No special projects to do, calls to be made, or people to see.

 

I felt blessed, as I thought about relaxing and enjoying my new found freedom.

Then the phone rang. I picked it up off the kitchen table and said, “Hello.”

At first nobody responded, but then . . .

“You must listen to me,” a voice demanded.

“Who are you?” I asked, somewhat confused.

 

“I am the answer to your prayers, the designer of your future.”

“What does that mean?” I queried.

“You are mine, and you must do as I say.”

“I refuse to continue this conversation, unless you tell me who you are.”

And then everything went dark.

 

“You’re his savior, doctor,” a nurse in blue scrubs sung out.

“I just did my job. Caught the brain aneurysm just in time.”

“If it had burst, we would have lost him,” she said, her voice quivering.

“Yes, he was lucky. For now he has a future.”

And the day after glowed with promise.

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

We fall in love with our home and the neighbors who become our friends. But time has a way of introducing change into our lives.

 

Nothing remains the same forever. This can happen . . .

 

 

On The Street Where We Live—A Dream Reborn

 

I have often walked down our street before,
And my path has always filled with neighbors I adore.
Each time my emotions soar,
As enchantment pours out of every door.
I feel at peace, knowing I'm on the street where we live.

Oh, the towering feeling just to know my neighbors are near.

The overpowering feeling that any second they might appear.

And when they do, they stop and share their stories with me.
There's nowhere else on earth I’d rather be in our senior community.
I feel at peace, knowing I'm on the street where we live.

 

Let time go by, it doesn’t bother me.
I won't care, for I have friends to see.

If things can just remain the same for all eternity,

This would be the only place I’d ever want to be.

I feel at peace, knowing I'm on the street where we live.

 

However, things do not remain the same, for my street has changed dramatically,

And my wonderful dream has become history.

Longtime neighbors and friends moved closer to family or to the heavens above.

And it became difficult to deal with the loss of neighborly love.

I no longer feel at peace on the street where we live.

 

But then, new neighbors moved in and befriended me.

They embraced me in ways I hadn’t expected to see.

As doors opened to a new time—one of glee.

My street again became the only place I’d ever want to be.

I feel at peace, knowing I'm on the street where we live.

 

 

Copyright © 2024 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

Fight for what you want. For if you don’t, it can’t happen.

 

Remember there is only one way to succeed. You must . . .

 

 

Stand Up Strong

 

When the road narrows and you can’t get through,

Face the challenge with courage and do what you need to do.

Climb life’s stairs, one step at a time, gripping the handrail,

So you overcome each obstacle encountered and prevail.

 

Sometimes you’ll stumble, sometimes you’ll fall,

But get back up, so you don’t lose it all.

With friends in your corner, you’ll face the storm,

Together you’re stronger, together you're warm.

 

Dream of a future, with bright stars in the sky,

With the wings of a dove, over open pastures fly.

Breezes blow, taking you on a journey of exploration,

Giving you an opportunity for discovery and gathering of information.

 

Believe there are no barriers, big or small,

With courage in your heart, you can conquer them all.

Life can be a large puzzle, but you will find your place,

With hope and determination, keep up the pace.

 

Through valleys of shadows, you’ll do what is right,

For every dark moment, you’ll seek out the light.

With laughter and or tears, you’ll compose your own song,

Even in a complex, confusing world, you’ll know where you belong.

 

Each setback is a chance to reflect and review,

With strength and your spirit, there's nothing you can't do.

The journey meanders, but you’ll do what is right,

On the horizon ahead, you’ll keep your goal in sight.

 

So stand up strong and march toward success.

Dreams will come true and diminish your stress.

You will be blessed for the effort you made to make this be.

You will be rewarded for reaching new heights, as all can see.  

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

Conversations can be confusing. Sometimes they seem to be going nowhere.

 

You try to get to the point, but it appears to be elusive. You wonder . . .

 

 

What’s This All About?

 

“Didn’t you hear me?”

“What?”

“I asked you a question.”

“About what?”

“Not about what?”

“Then what?”

“Is that all you think about is what?”

“What do you want me to say?”

“If you want something, You have to say it.”

“All right, but I don’t know what.”

“Oh, no! We’re back where we started.”

“Where?”

“Let’s not go there.”

“Why?”

“Oh come on, you haven’t answered my question.”

“When would you like me to?”

“You’re impossible.”

“Me, impossible?”

“Who are you?”

“How did this become about me?”

“What do you want me to say?”

“Here we go again with what.”

“Well, what do you want from a nine-year-old?”

“But I’m only eight.”

“So, what do you want me to do about it?”

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

The past, the present, the future—let them mold your life. Dance, sing, and play—accomplish what you set out to do.

 

Wish for a bright day and dream of where you’ll be, but . . .

 

 

Never Lose Your Place

 

We can never lose our place.

Some do and lose their way, as well.

Others stay put, saving their place.

But they may end up going nowhere.

Knowing your place is important.

It may be the starting point for a great adventure.

But don’t stay put, for you can lose a golden opportunity.

Know where you began, and find your way forward.

 

Sometimes you put off finding a new way.

It may be difficult to take a chance.

However, this can be costly.

You have to turn the page in life and move on.

 

Not losing your place can be more mental than physical.

Remember what you’ve built.

It is the foundation on which to grow.

It is the basis for considering new paths.

 

Travel, explore, and meet others along the way.

Walk and run, take fantastic journeys and dream.

Climb mountains, fly to the stars, and be who you are.

Climb mountains, fly to the stars, and be who you want to be.

 

The place you began will never be lost.

The place you are in may not be your place to stay.

The place you will be may be your realization of dreams.

Wherever you are, never lose your place.

 

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.

Crazy things happen in life. How might these be explained? You may need help in finding the answers.

 

The world can become dark before the light shines again and illuminates the direction in which you must go. But a time comes when you know . . .

 

 

I Found My Way

 

     The clouds blanketed the sky. These fluffy white creatures flowed gently through the air. I stared in awe. Then I heard screaming coming from behind me.

     “Jacob, what are you doing standing on the front lawn in your underwear?”

     “Huh? Front lawn? Underwear? Not me.”

     “Well, look down, Your socks are soaking wet from the dew on the grass. And you’re not wearing pants.”

     “But I’m going for a walk.”

     “You’re what?”

     “A walk, just around the block.”

     “An almost naked person strolling through the neighborhood. Someone’s going to call the police.”

     “For what? I’m not allowed to walk anymore?”

     “Not when you’re undressed!”

     This didn’t make any sense to me. It was a beautiful day. Blue skies everywhere. No sign of the rain that flooded the streets the past week. I stepped off the lawn onto the driveway. I felt invigorated. It was a new day and I was a new person.

     I pranced down the street. Life was great. Then a car pulled over to the curb and its window rolled down.

     “Hey, Jacob, where’re you going?” a male voice echoed in my ears.

     I ignored it and continued walking.

     “Jacob, it’s me, Eddie,” the voice blurted.

     I smiled, but said nothing. I was too preoccupied to get involved with a passerby.

     “Jacob, you’re not dressed,” the voice shouted. “Get in the car and I’ll take you home.”

     Without turning my head, I replied, “My mother told me never to speak to strangers—never!”

     “But I’m not a stranger. I’m your neighbor, Eddie, from down the block.”

     I didn’t pay any attention. His words flowed through the air as if being pulled by an airplane. And I danced toward the corner. As I turned onto Heavenly Valley Lane, an elderly woman peered at me in dismay.

     “Are you lost?” she asked.

     “No. I’m found.”

     “Found? What are you talking about?”

     “Why do you want to know?”

     “Because it appears you need help.”

     “Help? How did you come to that conclusion?”

     “Well, you’re not fully dressed.”

     “How can you say that?”

     “You’re not wearing pants.”

     “Yes, I am.” I smiled and wiggled my butt.

     “But those are underpants. You shouldn’t be out and about like that.”

     “You’re not my mother, so keep your opinions to yourself.”

     “Where do you live?”

     “That’s none of your business.”

     “I’m just trying to help you.”

     “I don’t need your help,” I stated emphatically, stuck my nose in the air, and left her standing there bewildered.

     A slight wind blew through my hair. I was on a mission and nobody was going to prevent me from completing it.

     “You are on the right track,” a melodious female voice chanted.

     But I had no clue where it was coming from or what she was talking about. “Track, what are you saying?” I inquired. But there was no response.

     Then I heard a siren in the distance. Did someone call the police? Maybe I needed to go home, I thought.

     I started to turn around, but before I could, I heard the comforting, soft woman’s voice again. “Remember, you’re on a mission—one you must complete.”

     Stunned, I believed she must be right. It was what I needed to do, for it would change my life.

     As I plodded down the street, a car pulled over to the curb. A lady yelled, “Jacob, I thought you were lost. Now get in the car. We have to go home.”

     I started to say something, but the sound of the siren got louder. I’ve got to get out of here, I believed. But then an ambulance raced by and I knew I wasn’t going to be arrested.

     Not looking back at the car, I started to run. As the day wore on, it became chilly and my naked legs began to shake. Going home was an option, but I knew, in my heart, it was not the appropriate choice.

     “Keep going, you’re almost there. Your mission will be fulfilled,” the mysterious, female voice said in a way that empowered me.

     “I am?” I asked.

     “Yes, you are?”

     “But how will I know?”

     “Relax. Take a deep breath. Let it out slowly. The picture will become clear.”

     “Picture? What picture?”

     “You’ll see.”

     I knew I had to listen to her. She would make everything right. And my mission would be complete. But things don’t always go as you want them to, for the woman, my savior, screamed, “Get out of here. Leave me alone!”

     “Why are you yelling at me?” I asked. It made me feel quite uncomfortable. 

     She didn’t answer. But then I was driven to the edge of a cliff, the fall from which I knew I might not survive.

     “Don’t do it!” my protector demanded. “You’ll regret it, if you do.”

     “Okay, I won’t,” I whimpered.

     “Not you, Jacob. Her!”

     The loudness of my guardian’s voice shook me out of the darkness of the hypnotic trance I was in. A masked creature held a gun to my psychiatrist’s head and was about to pull the trigger.

     She mumbled, “You’re the reason my husband left me. You ruined my life and you deserve to lose yours.”

     “But I’m just his therapist, nothing more.”

     Without thinking, I jumped up off the couch and wrestled the gun away from the intruder—my wife. She fell back and hit her head on the end table.

     “Thank you, Jacob. You saved my life and yours,” Dr. Marie murmured, with a sigh of relief.

     I stood speechless. But with my mission accomplished, I knew I’d found my way.

    

 

Copyright © 2025 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.