Joel Howard - Story Artist

i take pride in announcing that my third book "The Saga of John Butcher" will be available in a couple days at Amazon. This is in addition to my two previously published books "Travel Memories of Mrs. Howard's Grandson" and "Collections of Memories by Mrs. Howard's Grandson".
I had planned to complete another three books this year but will delay as I focus on a surgical procedure in a few months and the recovery time involved.

A Brighter Dawn

In the shadows of history, stories untold,
Of pain and struggle, of hearts that were bold.
From slavery's chains to freedom's call,
The fight for justice, the rise and fall.

Through hardship and sorrow, they stood tall,
Their spirits unbroken, despite it all.
In the face of adversity, they found strength,
Their voices echoing through time's great length.

With each step forward, towards a brighter dawn,
Their legacy lives on, a beacon drawn.
To a future where equality reigns supreme,
And the echoes of the past are but a distant dream.

So let us honor their courage and their grace,
As we strive for a world where all find their place.
In the tapestry of history, their threads are spun,
A testament to the battles fought and won.

In the hearts of all who carry their flame,
Their resilience and strength will never be tamed.
For in their stories, we find our hope,
To build a world where all can truly cope.

We must stand together, hand in hand,
To create a future where justice will stand.
And may their struggles not be in vain,
As we work towards a world without pain.

Cherished Reflection

In the stillness of the early morning,
I saw a world so calm and quiet,
Not a cloud in the sky adorning,
Yet a sense of unease took flight.

One bird flew alone in the vast expanse,
Seeking companionship in the empty air,
While a mongoose found a moment's chance,
To pause by the water, unaware.

The streets lay bare, only two cars in sight,
A world seemingly asleep or dead,
But amidst the silence and the absence of light,
I found beauty in the quiet instead.

In moments of stillness, we find peace,
In solitude, we discover hidden grace,
Let us embrace the calm and release,
The need for noise and the frantic pace.

In the tranquility of the morning,
I found comfort in the quietude,
Embracing the peace without warning,
And in the calmness, my soul renewed.

Let the world sleep and dream,
As I bask in the stillness of the day,
In the silence, a sense of serenity gleam,
And all worries and troubles fade away.

For in the midst of the calm and the hush,
I found a beauty that words can't express,
A moment of peace, a tranquil blush,
A feeling of contentment, nothing less.

Let the world slumber, let it rest,
While I cherish the stillness, the silent embrace,
In this moment of solitude, I am truly blessed,
Finding joy and tranquility in this quiet space.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/electric-cars-release-more-toxic-emissions-than-petrol-powered-vehicles-and-are-worse-for-the-environment/ar-BB1jk7KT?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=6847c0fbe7a3454ea7d0529abc863a5e&ei=54

Electric cars release more toxic emissions than petrol-powered vehicles and are worse for the environment Electric vehicles may release more pollution than petrol-powered vehicles, according to a report that has recently resurfaced.

Dedicated to my Parents

In the distant memories relived by those past,
I hold you dear, my parents, at last.
Though your time on Earth was cut short,
Your love and guidance remain my support.

As I walk this path without your hand,
I feel your presence, like of sand.
Embedded deep within my soul,
Your legacy continues to unfold.

The love you shared, a bond so strong,
In my heart, it will forever belong.
I long to see your faces once more,
To feel your embrace as I did before.

But until that day, I'll carry on,
Knowing in my heart you are never gone.
Your spirit lives on in all I do,
Forever cherished, forever true.

Through every challenge, every trial,
I feel your presence all the while.
Your love guides me through each day,
In every step, in every way.

So though you may be far away,
In my heart, you will forever stay.
Until we meet again someday,
'll hold you close, come what may.

Technology Ride

In this world of technology, we take a ride,
Intelligent machines by our side, we glide.
Innovation and progress at our fingertips,
The future is bright, no need for slips.

On the digital highway, we zoom,
Exploring new horizons, no gloom.
With algorithms and data as our guide,
The possibilities are endless, open wide.

In the realm of bytes and code,
We navigate with ease, never slowed.
With virtual reality and Artificial Intelligence at play,
We pave the way for a brighter day.

In the realm of the digital age,
We navigate through the virtual stage.
With technology as our guide,
The future is bright, with no need to hide.

In the digital world, we thrive,
With innovation as our drive.
Together we'll conquer new heights,
In a future that's bound to be bright.

In a world of pixels and screens,
We'll continue to chase our dreams.
With technology as our ally,
The possibilities are endless, sky-high.

You lift me higher

You lift me higher, to heights unknown,
With you by my side, I'm never alone.
You are my strength, my guiding light,
Together we'll soar, in each other's sight.

In your arms, I find my peace,
Your love for me will never cease.
You lift me higher, beyond the skies,
With you, my love, forever I'll rise.

In your embrace, I find perfection,
Thrilled by your love and affection.
Together we'll reach heights untold,
Our love like a story yet to unfold.

In your eyes, my reflection shines,
With you, my love, the stars align.
You lift me higher, beyond compare,
In your arms, I find solace rare.

In your presence, I feel complete,
Thrilled by your love, so pure and sweet.
You lift me higher, with each embrace,
My heart filled with joy and grace.

In your love, I find my peace,
Thrilled by your affection that won't cease.
You lift me higher, with each kiss,
In your arms, I find endless bliss.

In your love, I find my home,
Thrilled by your affection, I'll never roam.
You lift me higher, with each touch,
In your presence, I feel so much.

In your love, I find my strength,
Thrilled by your affection at any length.
You lift me higher, with each smile,
In your heart, I'll stay for our walk down the aisle.

Caution

Throw caution to the wind, take a chance and let go,
Embrace the unknown, let your spirit flow.
Life is an adventure, a journey to explore,
So throw caution to the wind, and soar.

In the face of fear, stand tall and strong,
For in taking risks, you truly belong.
Trust in yourself, in your heart and soul,
And let the winds of fate take control.

Perfect Love

In a world of chaos and confusion,
Our love is a perfect fusion.
You lift me higher with your affection,
In your arms, I find pure perfection.
Together we'll conquer any storm,
Our love will always keep us warm.

In your eyes, I see my reflection,
A love deep, built through quiet introspection.
You lift me higher with every touch,
In your love, I've found so much.
Our hearts united, I find my peace,
Our bond will never cease.

You lift me, nothing can out this fire.
Our hearts beating with one desire.
Connected with each other, this perfect embrace,
Our love, this perfect love glows as it finds its place.
For though time stops to welcome us aboard,
Our love signals time onward for ours is a heavy load.

You raise me higher, to even greater height,
In your love, I find the powers of my might.
In the journey of life, we'll never part,
Bound together, hearts in love, hand in heart.
You lift me higher, with each day,
In your love, I'll always stay.

The secret of Aging Gracefully

The secret to aging gracefully, a journey of time,
bracing the wrinkles, each one a rhyme.
Wisdom in the eyes, laughter lines so fine,
The secrets of aging, a beauty divine.

With each passing year, a story to tell,
Lessons learned, memories dwell.
Embracing the changes, endearing the grace,
Aging with style, a smile on your face.

The secret is simple, yet profound,
To love yourself, notwithstanding flaws around.
To cherish each moment, be present and kind,
Aging gracefully, a treasure to find.

Embrace the years, welcome the gray,
For beauty shines brighter with each passing day.
The secrets of aging, a wisdom to share,
Embrace it with love, handle with care.

Where is the love?

Where is the love that was promised to me?
In the whispers of the wind and the rustling of the trees,
In the laughter of children and the songs of the birds,
In the warmth of the sun and the gentle touch of the breeze.

Where is love that was swore to me?
In the colors of the sunset and the beauty of the flowers,
In the twinkling of the stars and the magic of the moon,
In the depths of my soul and the passing hours.

Where is the love that was pledged to me?
In the moments we shared and the memories we made,
In the promises we kept and the dreams we dared,
In the love that we found and will never fade.

Where is the love that was spoken of?
In the kindness of strangers and the strength of friends,
In the forgiveness of enemies and the peace it lends,
In the love that never ends.

Where is the love that was held dear?
In the whispers of the night and the blush of the dawn,
In the beauty of the world and the love that we spawn,
In every moment, it's there, never gone.

Report to your Stations

Report to your stations, the time is near,
Prepare for action, have no fear.
The mission awaits, the task at hand,
Together we'll conquer, we'll make a stand.

With courage and strength, we'll face the unknown,
United as one, our team has grown.
Each one of us with a role to play,
In this journey we'll find our own way.

Report to your stations, be ready and true,
For together we'll see this mission through.
With determination and unwavering will,
We'll achieve our goals, we'll fulfill.

In the face of adversity, we stand strong,
Ready to face whatever may come along.
United in purpose, united in heart,
We'll never waver, we'll never depart.

Report to your stations, with pride and grace,
For together we'll conquer, we'll win the race.
With each step forward, we'll reach new heights,
As we stand together in the brightest of lights.

Sun’s destination at Sunset

The Sun dips below the horizon,
Its destination unknown,
But at sunset, it paints the sky
With hues of orange and gold.

The world is bathed in warmth
As daylight fades to night,
And though the Sun may disappear,
Its presence still shines bright.

Let us pause and marvel
At this daily spectacle,
And ponder where the Sun may go
While Earth continues its journey to circle.

The Sun's destination at sunset,
Is a mystery we may never know,
But as it goes beyond the horizon,
It leaves a breathtaking show without regret.

The colors dance in the sky,
A masterpiece so divine,
And as the day turns into night,
The Sun's beauty continues to shine.

Let us cherish those moments,
As the Sun bids us temporary adieu,
For its destination may be unknown,
But its magic always rings true.

Life is a stage on which we are all actors playing our roles. Within the past four months, our revered Society Cricket Club lost two individuals, cousins who contributed in no small manner to the great years of the Society Cricket Club during the 1970s, 1980s, and even beyond. Everton Bennett, known as Nanny, placed fear in batsmen with his tremendous, accurate pace bowling and his no nonsense approach to batsmanship, died towards the end of November 2023.
Within the last 48 hours, his cousin Jimmy Bradshaw, known to many as I-Jim, transitioned to the great beyond to join those great players who played for the same club in earlier times. Jimmy was a stylish batsman with many attractive stokes (shots) in the mold of Gordon Collymore.
While these two deaths signal the continued and inevitable passing of the great brigade, no doubt they also strengthen the team awaiting us in Purgatory. What a great team is being assembled over there.
For me, this is a wonderful tribute to two individuals who had a significant impact on the Society Cricket Team. Their contributions were truly remarkable towards shaping such a successful team. It's important to honor those who have played a role in shaping the history of sports and bringing joy to fans.
Their dedication, hard work, and leadership in their respective roles were instrumental in creating a successful cricket team during that era. Their passion for the sport and their ability to inspire and motivate their team members was truly admirable. I therefore recognize and pay tribute to these two men, their skills, and dedication that were instrumental in creating a winning team. Their legacy lives on through the success of the team they helped build, and their impact on the sport of cricket in the eastern, southern, and central landscapes of Barbados will always be remembered. Let us celebrate their achievements and the lasting influence they have had for around fifty years, while appreciating the efforts of others who also helped shape the history of club and left a lasting legacy for future generations to admire.

Why are the lonely lonely?

Why are the lonely lonely?
Is it the absence of company,
Or a deeper sense of longing
For a connection that's true and free?

Is it the silence that surrounds them,
Or the weight of unspoken words,
That make the lonely feel lost
In a world that seems absurd?

Perhaps it's the lack of understanding,
The feeling of being unseen,
That leaves the lonely to wonder
If they'll ever find where they belong and have been.

But in the midst of their solitude,
There lies a strength so rare,
For the lonely know what it means
To find solace in their own company, care.

Therefore let's not pity the lonely,
Or rush to fill their space,
For in their quiet moments,
They find their own grace.

Even as we seek to answer this question,
Continuing on this path of reflection,
Let us not overlook the reality,
The power of introspection.

For in the loneliness,
There lies a chance,
To discover oneself,
To embrace the dance

Let us not judge the lonely,
But instead, offer our hand,
For in understanding and compassion,
We can help them withstand.

Loneliness is not a curse,
But an opportunity to grow,
To learn, to heal, to find the strength
To face whatever life may bestow.

So let us be friends,
That source of light and love that condone,
And together, we can show
That the lonely are never truly alone.

Forever Present, Please Stay

In the stillness of the night,
In the stress of the day,
I find myself longing
For you to forever stay.

Your presence is a comfort,
A light in the dark,
A beacon of hope
That leaves its mark.

As time marches on,
And life goes its way,
I pray that you'll be with me
Forever and always.

So I hold you close
In my heart and my mind,
Hoping that our love
Will stand test of time.

For in this moment,
In this place we share,
I ask you, my love,
To always be there.

Life Alphabet

The alphabet of life, a journey to explore,
A symphony of moments, each one to adore.

A for adventure, the thrill of the unknown,
B for bravery, in challenges we have grown.

C for compassion, a guiding light within,
D for determination, to never give in.

E for excitement, in each new day's start,
F for friendship, warming the heart.

G for gratitude, for all that we hold dear,
H for hope, dispelling every fear.

I for inspiration, in every dream we chase,
J for joy, in every embrace.

K for kindness, in words and in deed,
L for love, the strength we all need.

M for memories, cherished and true,
N for nurturing, in all that we do.

O for optimism, in the face of defeat,
P for perseverance, making our lives complete.

Q for quiet moments, to reflect and to grow,
R for resilience, in overcoming every woe.

S for strength, in the face of strife,
T for trust, in the rhythm of life.

U for unity, in bonds that never sever,
V for victory, in every endeavor.

W for wisdom, in lessons learned with age,
X for the unknown, turning the page.

Y for yesterday, shaping who we are today,
Z for zeal, as we find our own way.

The alphabet of life, a tapestry so grand,
Each letter intertwined, part of life's great plan.

From A to Z, we journey on,
In the alphabet of life, our stories are drawn.

Let us embrace each letter with grace,
For in the alphabet of life, we find our place.

The journey of Time.

The journey of time from its beginning,
A tapestry of moments, both losing and winning.

A dance of seconds, minutes, and hours,
Weaving a story of life's infinite powers.

From the first breath to the final sigh,
Time marches on, never asking why.

A symphony of memories, joys, and fears,
Guiding us through the passage of years.

The journey of time, a wondrous ride,
Embracing each moment, with nothing to hide.

Cherish each second, each precious day,
For time is a gift that never stays.

The journey of time, a mysterious flow,
Through seasons of change and winds that blow.

From youth's vibrant bloom to age's gentle blend,
Time carries us forward, around every bend.

Each moment a treasure, each memory a gem,
As we navigate life's ever-changing hem.

The journey of time, an endless expanse,
Guiding us through fate's intricate dance.

Embrace the present, let go of the past,
For time moves swiftly, too fleeting to last.

Heaven’s Grand Reunion

Meeting my parents in Heaven,
A reunion of love and joy,
No more tears, no more pain,
Just happiness without alloy.

Their embrace will be warm,
Their smiles will light up the sky,
In that eternal home above,
Together again, you and I.

Our souls will dance with glee,
As you both reminisce on days gone by,
In Heaven's glorious beauty,
Forever in love, never to deny.

Your presence will bring comfort,
Your wisdom will guide the way,
In the arms of angels and saints,
We'll rejoice in eternity's day.

No more separation or sorrow,
Just a love that never ends,
In the presence of God above,
With our hearts forever penned.

Life Stepping Stones

Life is a journey with stepping stones,
Each one leading to unknown zones.
We step with faith and courage in our hearts,
Knowing that each stone plays its part.

Some stones may be smooth and easy to tread,
While others are rough and fill us with dread.
But we press on, one step at a time,
Guided by the hope that soon we'll shine.

And when we look back at the path we've passed,
We see how those stones, though different, last.
They've shaped us into who we are today,
And for that, we're grateful in every way.

Life's stepping stones are lessons to learn,
Each one a chance to grow and discern.
They may be challenging, but we emerge strong,
With wisdom and resilience to carry us along.

Let's tread with purpose and determination,
Embracing each stone as a revelation.
For life's journey is not about the end,
But the growth and transformation it will lend.

If I was you and you were I

If I was you and you were I,
We'd see the world through each other eyes.
We'd walk in each other's shoes,
And understand each other's blues.

We'd share our joys and our fears,
And wipe away each other's tears.
We'd lift each other up when we fall,
And be there for each other through it all.

If I was you and you were I,
We'd learn to empath and not just comply.
For in this world of you and I,
Together we can reach the sky.

If I was you and you were I,
We'd live in harmony under the sky.
We'd cherish our differences and similarities,
And embrace the beauty of our individualities.

We'd support each other in times of need,
And celebrate together every deed.
We'd build bond that's strong and true,
For in this world, me and you.

If I was you and you were I,
We'd spread love and kindness far and wide.
And in our hearts, forever we'd hold,
The special connection between our souls.

Dedicated to my parents - written in February 2023.

Your deaths were unknown to me as I was only 2 years old. But as I grew, the details from family, elder friends and other acquaintances of your tragic demise would expose the deafening silence that the screams within me would not allow to be heard.
That unfortunate event that removed both your presence in February 65 years ago, though jarring, has never shrink your weights on my scale of happiness, as still both of you soar like eagles in my world.
So often I have heard your voices deep within my subconsciousness which helped to shaped my future “your parents fell in love many many years ago and shared a very strong romantic relationship and bond out of which you came. We are forever in love with you, Joel, our only child”.
Those words are the life of me as I revisit them with love, but also in the reality that with all things being possible, it is highly likely that I will meet, see and greet you again.
My world has journeyed on. I have experienced other joys. I cannot replace you. I never tried. Life must go on, however dim.

Ode to my Grandparents

Ode to my departed grandparents, my pillars of strength,
Who raised me with love, going to any length.
After losing my parents in a tragic event,
You took me in, with love so fervent.

Guiding me through life's ups and downs,
Nurturing me with love that knows no bounds.
Your wisdom and kindness shaped who I am,
In your care, I found solace like a calm.

Though you're no longer by my side,
In my heart, your love will forever reside.
I cherish the memories we shared,
The lessons you taught, the moments we bared.

Rest in peace, dear grandparents of mine,
In heaven's embrace, eternally shine.
Until we reunite in the beyond,
I'll hold your love close, strong and fond.

Ode to my departed grandparents, so dear,
Your love and guidance I will always hold near.
Though you're gone, your spirits live on,
In every sunrise, in every dawn.

The lessons you taught me, the values you instilled,
In my heart, they are forever sealed.
I am grateful for the love you gave,
In every moment, in every wave.

I pledge to honor your legacy true,
In everything I say and do.
Until we meet again in the great unknown,
I'll carry your love with me, never alone.

Ode to my parents who died in February 1958

Ode to my parents, it was gone too soon,
In a tragic accident under the nearing moon.
Leaving me, their only child,
Just a tender age, innocent and mild.

Though I never got to know your face,
Your love and presence I still embrace.
I feel you watching over me,
Guiding me through life's stormy sea.

You left a void that can never be filled,
Yet in my heart, your memory is instilled.
I carry you with me every day,
In all that I do and all that I say.

Rest in peace, dear parents mine,
In heaven's embrace, forever shine.
Until we meet again someday,
I'll cherish your love in every way.

Ode to my parents, angels above,
Your love and guidance, eternal love.
Though you left this world too soon,
I feel your presence like a comforting tune.

In my heart, you'll always stay,
Guiding me along life's way.
Your love is my compass, my guiding light,
In every challenge, in every fight.

I thank you for the love you've shown,
Even though you're far from home.
Your memory lives on in my heart,
Forever and always, we'll never part.

Rest in peace, my dear parents dear,
In heaven's arms, without fear.
Until we meet again someday,
I'll hold you close, in every way.

If love is over the hills

If love is over the hills,
Beyond the reach of thrills.
If it's a journey of ups and downs,
Through smiles and frowns.

If it's the warmth of a hug,
The comfort of a snug.
If it's the bond that unites,
Through the loneliest nights.

If love is a gentle breeze,
Whispering through the trees.
If it's a song that never ends,
A message that transcends.

If it's a light in the dark,
A spark that leaves its mark.
If it's the bond that never breaks
No matter what it takes.

If love is a gentle touch,
That means so much.
If it's the warmth of a embrace,
That time cannot erase.

If we let love lead the way,
With each passing day.
Over the hills and far beyond,
Love will always respond.

So if love guide your way,
Through each and every day.
Whether over the hills or far away,
Love will always be near.

Poetry

Poetry is a mirror to the soul,
Reflecting emotions that make us whole.
For the poet, it's a way to express,
To release their thoughts and feelings, no less.

Through words and verses, they paint a picture,
Of love, loss, joy, and adventure.
Their hearts laid bare for all to see,
Connecting with readers, setting minds free.

For the audience, it's a path to explore,
Different worlds and emotions, to adore.
It sparks conversations, ignites a fire,
Inspiring thoughts, awakening desire.

Poetry bridges gaps between hearts,
Uniting us all, in different parts.
Its impact on both poet and audience,
Is profound, stirring inner resonance.

The words must flow, sometimes needing neither rhythm nor rhyme,
For poetry's power stands the test of time.
It brings us together, in unity,
A true testament to human diversity.

Caribbean Black History Month

Caribbean Black History Month,
A time to honor and celebrate,
The contributions and accomplishments,
Of those who have shaped our fate.

From the struggles of the past,
To the triumphs of today,
We remember the heroes and heroines,
Who paved the way.

Their stories inspire us,
To continue the fight,
For equality and justice,
And to always stand up for what's right.

Caribbean Black History Month,
A time to recognize and reflect,
On the rich culture and heritage,
That history has kept.

From the islands of the Caribbean,
To the diaspora far and wide,
Black voices and stories,
Have stood the test of time with pride.

Celebrating resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
Honoring the ancestors who paved the way.
We hold in great esteem the sacrifices made for Caribbean Black Unity.
Their legacy continues in great tributes today.

From the struggles endured,
To the triumphs achieved,
Their stories inspire us to remember,
The importance of unity and belief.

We are required to come together with respect,
Embracing diversity with grace,
For Caribbean Black History Month bears no regret,
But is a time to uplift and embrace.

Let us lift up the voices,
That history tried to erase,
And stand in solidarity, linking our noises
With Caribbean Black excellence and grace.

History demands we come together,
In unity and pride,
To commemorate Caribbean Black History much better,
And keep their legacies alive.

The Journey never ceases

The journey never ceases,
Through valleys deep and mountains high,
It weaves through twists and turns,
Unfolding mysteries of fountains dry.

It leads us to new horizons,
Where dreams are born and hearts soar,
A never-ending adventure,
Forever seeking, always more.

The journey never ceases,
A path of endless discovery,
Through trials and tribulations,
We find our true destiny.

With every step we take,
New adventures unfold,
In the tapestry of life,
Our story will be told.

The journey never ceases,
Through valleys deep and mountains high,
With each new dawn, a new chapter releases,
As we reach for the limitless sky.

It's a dance of courage and grace,
A melody of heartbeats intertwined,
In this timeless, ever-changing space,
Our spirits forever aligned.

The journey never ceases,
A story of hope and love,
Through twists and turns, life progresses,
Guided by the stars above.

Each moment a chance to grow,
To learn, to laugh, to cry,
The journey never ceases, we know,
As time goes by and by.

The journey never ceases,
In every sunrise and dawn,
We find facing new pieces,
To fit the puzzle we're journeying on

Through the ups and downs we go,
With faith and courage in our hearts,
The journey continues to show,
life is a work of art.

The journey never ceases,
In the ebb and flow of time,
We navigate through life's creases,
With purpose and rhythm in our rhyme.

With each step we take,
We grow and evolve,
The journey is ours to make,
With passion and resolve.

The Plan
Hold my hand,
Take me to your plan.
Guide my thoughts, And purify them towards nothing ough.
Let me encounter visions of love,
Sent from beyond the universe above.
For what other is life, That I must chain myself to its strife.
From this sufferance, I am ready for deliverance.

Haitian Lad

Tears fall on my cheeks as I see
A boy studying under a candle's light, diligently.
His determination focus shine through,
the darkness surrounding him, his dreams still true.

Could he be a future President in the making?
With his resilience and drive, there’s no mistaking.
Despite his humble beginnings and start,
His potential is boundless, touching my heart.

In a world full of challenges and strife,
He represents hope, a beacon of light.
His determination and passion so pure,
A future leader in the making, for sure.

As he sits there, studying late into the night,
I am filled with emotions, my heart taking flight.
For in his eyes, I see the potential so bright,
A future President, ready to fight.

Let's support and uplift the dreams of this boy,
For he holds the key to a brighter tomorrow.
With his education and drive, he'll surely soar,
From that small candle's glow to greatness galore.

I pray for his success and bright future ahead,
May his dreams come true, may he be led.
Through hard work and perseverance, may he rise,
From that small candle's glow to reach the skies.