Poetry by: Elizabeth Grochan Photography By: Christina Taylor Broken Shutter Photography

1. Nature of Life Musings about life and the nature that surrounds it Poetry by: Elizabeth Grochan Photography By: Christina Taylor Broken Shutter Photography

2. How did I end up here? Sinking into the wet sand Once a part of a whole A protective layer to withstand Only a small piece Floating through the sea Deposited by tides and waves Washing up on shore empty Laying here beyond the foam I thought my purpose was through What else could be left for me But then I was found by you Persona Poem

3. Sitting on the Sand Gazing into the unknown Contemplating life Senryu Poem

4. What is the opposite of an ending? How about a new beginning? The time to start anew Where you can choose to be you Setting out on a new Journey Where you can choose to be happy Set out on your pathway And Embark on your new Today Opposite Poem

5. I wonder what untold stories you hold Lives that have been changed within your threshold Lovers who sat embraced in your presence Children accompanied by their parents Secrets shared in confidence People asking for forgiveness Tears shed in pain or sorrow Worried what will come of tomorrow Happiness and joy without a care Smiles and laughter that rings in the air I wonder what untold stories are left to unfold Right there within your threshold Couplet

6. The ties that bind us In our relationships Always Intertwined Senryu Poem

7. Aquatic wonder Blossoming new life Purity in its dainty beauty Poised on top of calming water Aquatic wonder Surrounding each petaled treasure Sturdy Green Thrones Poised on top of calming water Aquatic wonder Neither can exist without the other Beauty and strength working together Poised on top of calming water Quatrain Poem

8. Fall comes to a close Like the Intervals of life Winter now begins Haiku Poem

9. L istlesslyLingering O ncean Overlay of Color N owa Singular Reminder-- E ndof Autumn Days L ightGrowing Shorter Y earnings for Warmer Times L astImage of Life E nteringinto Winter Season A notherYear Ends F orginginto a New Beginning Acrostic Poem

10. The Bridges in Life Connecting Relationships Forging Paths to Love Senryu Poem

11. Triolet Poem Standing at the edge of tomorrow Today follow your dreams The past, a reflection, an echo Standing at the edge of tomorrow The future can be scary I know But let your heart lead and you follow Standing at the edge of tomorrow Today follow your dreams

12. Love is a Mosaic Rose Filled with pleasure and sorrow Thorns pricking those in its clutch Pain can spring with a simple touch Majestic blooming their only duty Petals shine in silent beauty Each layer so soft and pretty Within each fold there is a story Many wonder if the pleasure outweighs the pain I say love is the only worthy campaign Couplet

13. Life! Oh Beautiful Life! Full of the memories we cherish Happiness, sadness, confusion and hope Life! Oh Wondrous Life! Full of relationships we treasure People we shared a short time with And People we will share a lifetime with Life! Oh Enchanting Life! Full of moments to be remembered The Challenges we face The Changes we make The Journeys we take Life! Oh Beautiful Life For the Wonderer and the Imaginer For the Dreamer and the Believer Life! Live it to its fullest! Ode Poem

14. Special Thanks to Christina Scott Taylor of Broken Shutter Photography. Christina is a recent graduate from Carteret Community College with a degree in Photographic Technology. It is through her talent and passion for photography that I was able to find inspiration in the nature that surrounds us.