Day by day

A bus seat held for one, 

present where the hurt begun.

A jacket meant to hide anguish away,

steadfast in the fractures of the day.

A silent fortress of support,

sees your value, knows your worth.

Two different umbrellas in the rain,

the subtlest reminders once again.

A meal for one disguised as two,

drawing closer still to you.

Calm that stills the racing mind,

comforting the heart all by design.

Fragments of love once lost to time,

start again, but don't rewind.

Leaving all the good and bad behind,  

unless you are convinced that love is blind.

KEC

aka Deo Volente 

8/31/26

Beginning to end

He'll be steadfast as a rock, 

go on in, no need to knock.

Lean on him, as the days go by,

because his love is destined not to die.

You should forget, he will recall,

what broke your heart winter to fall.

He will be the dream when nightmares wake,

mending all the pieces as they break.

When you're cold, he'll keep you warm,

be your shelter from the storm.

Guiding you to light when darkness calls,

he will always catch you when you fall.

You can be just who you are, 

fading sun or rising star.

With him there is no reason to pretend,

because he is your father and your friend, 

standing right beside you till the end. 

KEC

aka Deo Volente

8/31/2026

Thank you 10 & 5

The faces behind the voices, 

blurred by adult choices. 

Of flesh and blood be surely bound, 

yet bond in time cannot be found.

In truth, though miles apart, 

you're held inside my heart. 

DV

8/30/2026

Shards

A line or two both old and new, 

in brush strokes made of ink

blind, unable to think. 

Caught in the flow of things unseen

wedged between reality and dream

two faces in the mirror

shards, cracks and sliver.

Broken pieces, hard to mend

lies of a father, deceit of a friend.

Words become easy to recall

flying aimlessly above it all. 

Frozen both in time and space

for sake of soul, retreat in haste.

These shackles of the heart

prophetic and worlds apart.

Be it friend or foe beseech

the deeper the pain, the farther the reach.

These walls made out of skin

are shattered from within.

So tell me, when will we collide

within the steps of every stride.

Awake inside the day, 

seeing it that way.

When will the light blaze through like fire

to cause a misstep on that wire

that we have walked for years

in anguish and in tears. 

Two faces in one mirror see

what should have been and cannot be.

Each fragment hidden well 

inside a man-made hell. 

But heart was never turned to stone

and though a body flesh and bone

bears scars that tell the tale

this truth can tip the scale...

God's love will never fail.

KEC

aka Deo Volente

7/24/26

Hopeless or hopeful, I hope you choose the latter.

Bend until you break

under the weight of give and take. 

Because you are naive 

in fleeting hopes you still believe.

Sink until you drown

behind the shadows of every frown.

Because your smile will mask the pain

where your shattered dreams remain. 

Scream until you're through

inside the minutes old and new.

Because they're etched into your bone

every step you take alone.

Bury your dreams and hopes

because in this life they are ropes.

Used to strangle and restrain

yet without them you remain.

Broken, still the same...

but you'll learn to play their game.

KEC

aka Deo Volente

8/15/2026

Bend but never break

under the weight of give and take. 

Then start rolling up your sleeves 

Because in his way you believe.

Sink but never drown

bring your light to every frown.

Because your smile could be the rain

that will wash away their pain. 

Scream till you break through

all the moments old and new.

Till it's etched into your bone

that you'll never walk alone.

Do not bury dreams and hopes

cause in this life they are ropes.

Used to scale, ascend or hoist

and with them you'll find your voice,

beyond the hurt, beyond the shame...

knowing God loves you by name.

KEC

aka Deo Volente

8/29/2026

Nietzsche - thinking out loud

Nietzsche with your heart and soul, 

how could you be so brazenly bold. 

As to suggest that we rewind

but once again the hands of time.

That shackled us to darkest state, 

again and again by wretched fate.

To catch a glimpse of prism light, 

eluding us in the dead of night...

as we fought in our greatest fight.

Are you wrong, or are you right?

KEC

aka Deo Volente

7/11/2026

A thought

Such a crippling affliction that thing called envy, 

it dances about the mind with a double-edged sword,

and strikes at the heart with fury.

KEC

aka Deo Volente

6/27/26

A thought

Nothing is ever as it seems, even in your wildest dreams.  

D.V.

6/27/2026

You and me

I need my tribe, 

you know, my vibe.

Where my crazy is okay, 

cause they like me just that way, 

I need that welcoming space, 

where I'm never out of place. 

And I'm encouraged just to be, 

all the things that make me, me.

I need you friend, just as you are, 

cause no matter, near or far...

we are chapters in this story, 

that was scribed by God in glory. 

KEC

aka Deo Volente

5/31/2026

Just a thought.

To be so blessed, not above nor below.

Just soundly planted where you can grow.

D.V.

7/24/2026

Sounds of the season.

I love to hear the chatter of birds, 

I imagine the words...

A mother saying come home for dinner. 

A taunting rhyme, cause he's the winner. 

A lullaby for a newborn's rest, 

safely tucked inside the nest. 

Gossip from the chatty folks.

Some not so funny retold joke. 

A fable or a sweet old song.

Encouragement for the weak to be strong.

Every rhythm in this rhyme of reason...

those miraculous sounds of the summer season.

KEC

aka Deo Volente

5/2/2026

A thought

A heart forged in a lightning storm, 

is a heart that beats with fire when it's born.

D.V.

2/29/2026

A thought

When you find yourself pushing against the wind, 

you may gain advantage if you dig your heels in. 

But if by chance you happen to fall, 

there's no shame in regaining your footing from a crawl.

D.V.

2/28/26

Weary

Where are you my beating heart? 

In the still of the summer breeze,

in the swirl of the autumn leaves.

Where are you my beating heart? 

In the notes of a love bird's song, 

in the hours of a day so long. 

Where are you my beating heart? 

In the sudden down pour of rain, 

in the wind's sweet soft refrain. 

Where are you my beating heart? 

Are we miles or worlds apart...

in dreams that elude my weary soul,

find me, so I can be whole.

KEC

aka Deo Volente

8/16/2026

Unshackled

Let me out in the wild blue yonder, 

so my mind can limitlessly wonder. 

Like rays that glisten in the sun, 

unshackle me, so that I can run.

Through fields in the sparkle of night, 

barefoot and boundless with delight. 

In the silhouette of a moonlit sky, 

where my soul finds the courage to fly.

Surround me with the wonders of nature, 

the masterful work of the creator.

Where hours unfold like a dream,

and I am a steady flowing stream.

Release me so that I might soar,

through valleys, atop mountains and more.

Where I can make haste to my heart,

for we have been too long apart.

Plant me where the wind won't break, 

freely giving the things that they take.

So I can grow like an antient old tree, 

firmly rooted in the wonder of me...

abandonly wild and free.

KEC

aka Deo Volente

8/28/2026

His walk

I met someone the other day, 
who shook my heart and soul.

I met someone the other day, 

who was as warm as the world is cold.

I met someone the other day, 

who was undaunted by his load. 

I met someone the other day, 

at the beginning of an arduous road. 

I met someone the other day, 

thank God, not a minute too late..

A moving profound example

of what it means to walk by faith.

KEC

aka Deo Volente

8/27/2026

USA vs Belgium

O my aching heart! In all honesty I did not expect the USA to beat Belgium, but I was sure they would put up a fight. The team I saw tonight had somehow lost the desire to achieve their goal, literally and figuratively. Missed passes, hesitation and refusal to drive the ball forward was the theme of the night. However, please do not lose heart Team USA, use this tournament as an opportunity to learn and grow. Recount what you did well, rethink what you didn't and know that as long as you keep trying, I'll keep cheering. 

Chin up y'all.

D.V.

USA vs Bosnia Herzegovina

You may think me biased for saying this, but I will say it anyway, I do not agree with that red card. I could see a yellow based on the tackle replay but malicious intent must be evident for a red and I just didn't see that. Two players going after the ball colliding into each other is not unusual in a contact sport, but what is done, cannot be undone. 

So USA, use this as more fuel for your fire and continue to write your story as only you can.

D.V

To Venezuela

 I just found out about the devastating earthquakes that shook Venezuela this week. My heart goes out to the Venezuelan people. It is impossible to imagine what you must be going through right now, you are all in my prayers. 

DV

Turkiye vs USA

What a match! There is something to be said about dogged determination driven by desire. That last second goal certainly had me screaming at the T.V. but I tip my hat to the Turkiye team. They played passionately to the bitter end and for that I have to say, well done. To the USA team, as a child we had a cheer for occasions just like this that said...That's alright, that's okay, we still love you anyway. 

So, chin up y'all, it's all a part of the learning process.

Good night world.

D.V.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the true Fathers aka Dads in the world, may you never forget the profound impact you have on the lives of your children. I hope your day is filled with wonderful reminders of the amazing men you are and how much you are valued.

D.V.

I love Futbol

I don't care what you call it, futbol, football or Soccer, it's all the same to me. A marvelous display of skill, teamwork and strategy propelled by determination while maintaining a decorum of sportsmanship and respect. This mesmerizing sport captivates people from all walks of life around the world like no other.

I personally look forward to watching the World cup every 4 years. Seeing these players at the top of their game giving their all for their respective countries is inspiring. This year I was pleasantly surprised to see how well matched most of these teams were in their opening matches. By my stats, of the 24 opening matches played there were 9 draws, 4 with a GD of 1, 6 with a GD of 2, 3 with a GD of 3, 1 with a GD of 4 and 1 with a GD of 6. If you exclude the 5 matches with GDs of 3 or more, there were 19 matches that could have gone either way, isn't that amazing? 

Good luck to every team, I look forward to seeing you all at your best.

D.V.

What a Match - USA vs Paraguay

 I cannot go to bed until I say it, GOOOOOAL!

Nice job y'all, as they say in the south. You played well most of the 1st half and got your rhythm back towards the end of the 2nd. Truthfully that last goal had me screaming. But more than that USA, you played as a team and that made this old soccer fan proud! 

Game on World.

D.V.

Unspoken

Words don't always match the heart, 

they're strong when heart is torn apart.

They overflow in angry tone, 

when heart is bleeding all alone.

They're building blocks to shield the rain, 

as heart stands in the thick of pain.

No, words don't always match the heart, 

in-fact they're sometimes worlds apart.

KEC

aka DV

6/11/2026

Silly rhyme

Are you a willow or a pine? 

Doesn't matter, cause you're mine.

I will watch you as you grow, 

and in time you'll let me know.

KEC

aka Deo Volente

5/24/26

Too Much?

Is it too much to dream

like the twinkling stars.

To reach beyond the hurdles

that surround who you are. 

To kindle the sparks 

in hope of a flame. 

To blaze through the moments 

that all seem the same. 

Is it too much to seek courage 

when crippled by doubt. 

To whisper in the echoes 

of cold endless shouts. 

To press on determined

as tears cradle skin.

Refusing to let darkness win, 

to decide where they end...

you begin!

KEC

aka Deo Volente

5/23/2026

A thought (in a stack of old papers).

Shadows are mute observers of a life in the light.

KEC

aka Deo Volente

11/10/2014

Would you wait

Would you wait as the world kept on turning, 

with the hope of a future fire burning. 

As the stars that once shone would disappear, 

would you grab hold of the wish and fight the fear. 

Would you wait as the seasons slipped away, 

while today became a distant yesterday. 

And tomorrow just a shadow of the moon, 

painted on the walls of an empty room. 

Would you wait in the still of a beating heart, 

pulsing in the distance miles apart. 

With bated breath of what might never be,

would you wait even if you could not see. 

Would you wait on the outside of that door,

holding on to hope of something more.

As moments blur within the hands of time, 

would you wait for fate to etch love into rhyme.

K.E.C

aka Deo Volente

5/2/2026

Sink

Sometimes you want to sink, 

to do anything but think. 

To give in to the sea, 

and let it all just be.

In still of pain and swell, 

drowning in that hell.

Where all the anguish tries, 

to settle as it dies.

Beneath the burning sand, 

where no-one holds your hand.

Sometimes you have to sink, 

to fight your way back from the brink.

K.E.C

aka Deo Volente

4/16/26

Easter

I have never liked saying, happy Easter. Of all the ways I celebrate Christ, Easter is the one that brings me more pain than joy. Don't get me wrong, I am beyond grateful that he chose to die for me and even more so that he rose from the dead. But I grieve that he endured so much pain. To be betrayed, abandoned, ridiculed, tortured and nailed to a cross bleeding to death not because of something he did but because of me, breaks me. I know that I should count it as a blessing beyond blessings to be loved that much and I do but it does not take away the anguish in my heart. So instead of saying happy Easter, let me say this, remember, he died so everyone of us could live. 

Thank you Jesus for loving me so much that you would willingly endure the unimaginable for my sake. I am not at all worthy, but I am eternally grateful.

KEC

aka Deo Volente

4/5/26

A puzzling thought.

 Word search or Crosswords puzzle? 

In the past I would have said hands down I am a word search person but lately I find myself leaning towards crosswords. Honestly, it is not because I have matured, I still enjoy a good word search every now and then. However, given the choice these days, I would choose a crossword, if for no other reason, for the challenge of the cruciverbalist's subjectivity. The fact is perspectives are subjective, but they have the potential for insight and insight potentially contributes to growth. So, though I may not agree with a crossword clue, each clue presents an opportunity for me to think beyond my own perspective. Whereas word searches only require me to find what is fixed within the box. 

What do you think?

KEC

aka Deo Volente

4/5/26

A heart's cry

Find me with mind, body and will, so I can be still.

In pulse of truth and soul, so pieces can be whole.

Seek me with tenderness, like no-one before.

So every bit of me, will want you even more.

Touch me in the courage of my try and as I cry.

From fingertips to cheek, touch me when I'm weak.

Hold me ever so in your embrace, caress my face.

Even as I'm standing in the rain, drenched in my pain. 

Wrap me in your arms from head to feet,

until I find my passion, bittersweet. 

Whisper every word in gentle voice, 

so you can be without a doubt, my choice. 

My reason to beseech the waking sun, 

where past gives way to all that has begun.

Do it all, so I believe in fate...

find me love, before it is too late.

K.E.C

aka Deo Volente

3/12/2026

Again

In blistering wind as cold as snow, 

I found the courage to get up and go. 

To thrust myself into the light, 

and that is when I learned to fight. 

For every shattered piece of me, 

reflections of the years I see. 

The pain, regrets and anguished cry, 

every reason just to die. 

In shivers of the great recall, 

I found the will to face them all. 

Removing every shard inside, 

no longer willing just to hide.

I faced the faces of the past, 

and took back all my love at last. 

Without a blink of eye, 

I bid them all goodbye. 

Then suddenly, the clouds stood out, 

and in my desperate final shout. 

I rushed into the rain, 

that reservoir of my pain, 

and found my heart, again. 

KEC

aka Deo Volente

2/21/2026

Lost

 If I could lose myself, I would seek in earnest steps where the sea finds the edge of the mountains and the sun bleeds into the sky. 

If I could lose myself, I would plant my feet firmly at the edge of a rainy day and soak up every drop without restraint. Casting my umbrella into the wind. 

If I could lose myself, I would scream in the still of silence, shattering my fears within the echoes of my years. Letting out what has held me in. 

If I could lose myself, I would run with determination towards that unseen tomorrow, willing and able to find my own pace. One foot in front of the other in steady assurance, unwavering.

If I could lose myself, I would listen to the rhythm of my beating heart and dance with unbridled joy, embracing the beauty within and without, quieting the noise of doubt. 

If I could lose myself, I would undoubtedly see with open eyes this tangled imperfection of self. Full and overflowing as I was always meant to be, then and only then, would I find me.  

KEC

aka Deo Volente

10/9/2025

You're not alone - explained

Have you ever felt alone? I have. 

By any chance, are you lonely now?

Loneliness is not an easy emotion to maneuver through, 

and the holidays can make it even more pronounced. 

Though I am years removed from that time of my life,

I recall it as clearly as though it were yesterday. 

That's why I wrote You're not alone. 

In its original form I said call me but realized that where I am limited, God is not. 

Though we may not always feel his presence or hear his voice, 

he is never far from us. 

So, if you are feeling lonely, 

I hope this poem serves as a remind that you are not alone. 

D.V.

T'll we meet again

I'll let the moments slip away, 

watching night turn into day. 

And do what I must do, 

till I return to you. 

I'll work these fingers to the bone, 

in crowded room I'll stand alone.

Guided by what's true, 

this heart beats just for you. 

I'll wipe away these bitter tears, 

as day turns into longing years. 

And sky begins to grey, 

my courage will not sway. 

I'll walk in paces sound and sure,

never wanting any more...

than what was meant to be.

Wait my love and see,

I will return to thee. 

KEC

aka Deo Volente

2/7/2026

Notable quote

"Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."

-Albert Einstein.

Noble Peace Prize 1964 - MLK

I sat silently this morning, thinking about the man behind the day. If you are wondering who and what I am referring to, here is the answer, today is MLK day. 

It seems to me that most everyone at some time or another has listened to his I Have a Dream speech, but have you ever listened to his Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance speech? 

I listened to it for the first time this morning and though as expected, it was a speech encompassing the struggles of the 1960's, and rightly so, it also delved into something deeper. A borderless plight I suppose is one way to describe it. If you have never heard it, I hope you take the time to listen to it someday. 

Happy MLK day.

D.V.

1/19/2026

Being there

Take her hand surely in humble reply, 

to all the emotions her words will deny.

Deep in the clutch of a whisper, 

beyond where the world tries to keep her. 

Pull her in closer as stars start to shine, 

to give her a glimpse of what she hoped to find.

In still and in silence of night,

let her soak in all the light.

Hold her as softly as snowflakes that fall,

so far from this moment, her heart will recall.

For you have the chance to redeem...

this dreamer that lost will to dream.

Remind her in message, in action, in prose,

thorns are a part of the birth of each rose.

That perfection is mythical at best, 

and this is no more than a test...

so have faith and give God the rest. 

KEC

aka Deo Volente

1/17/2026

Fire

Have you ever felt like you've fallen short? If you said yes, I am right there with you. If you said no, call me, I would love to know your secret. 

On a serious note, I am so inspired when I see a person on fire for God, not literally, spiritually. Someone with a peace that passeth understanding, untouched by the hurdles of life, rooted in faith and unshakeable. Someone with a soul that you can see from miles away and feel just as intensely. 

Do you know what I mean? 

The thing is, I don't think that's something we can learn and I am certain it isn't something we can fake. I think we either have it or we don't. For those like me who don't, we strive for it, hopeful that someday it will be. Yet for those who do, I can almost guarantee you they don't even realize it. Because to them, it simply is who they are...isn't that amazing?

D.V.

1/15/2026

Thinking out loud

Deception

Often

Utilizes

Blurred

Truth

In other words, deception is never constructed with an out-right lie but rather built upon a partial truth in order to successfully plant the seed of doubt. 

KEC

aka Deo Volente

1/11/2026

The last song

Sing to me that final song, 

when I am weak and you are strong. 

When all the words are said, 

by angel's hand I'm led.

Sing to me that song of youth, 

of flowers that found will to root.

By mountains, deserts and streams, 

so they could find their dreams. 

Sing to me in whispered tone, 

the moment we are all alone.

When I leave and you must stay...

sing my love, to usher me away. 

KEC

aka Deo Volente

1/3/2026

Violinist

Out of the shadows, into the light

onto a stage where dream meets fright. 

For you are the conductor of your heart

and drive is what sets you apart. 

Though curve and strings, all look the same

this bow you caress, it calls out your name.

In echoes that muse every ear

bringing your passion to bare. 

So step out with boldness 

beyond where you stand.

And grab hold of destiny

just as you've planned.

Then all the small voices will see

you! have a reason to be...

breathe in and let your soul free. 

KEC

aka Deo Volente

1/10/2026

Still

If heart would still with every cry, 

in twist of wind where we deny, 

what breaks us into pieces, 

deep in the cracks and creases, 

In anguish we might start to yearn, 

for lessons we refuse to learn, 

then we could see the light, 

inside the dead of night. 

Beyond the dark where evil hides, 

and hate finds footing to reside, 

where love can never flourish...

we may find might of courage. 

KEC

aka Deo Volente

1/8/2026

Happy New Year - 2026

 I feel as though I blinked and 2025 ended. There really is truth in the thought that time moves faster with age. Maybe it's because we forget to enjoy the simple things while we rush towards something more. Or maybe our priorities become less about the moment and more about the process. Whatever the reason, we tend to forget that the essential part of life, is living. With that in mind, it is my sincerest wish that no matter how much we have to accomplish this year, we remember to live. I pray we resolve to treasure the moments; fleeting though they may be. Laugh, for it is healing. Love, simply because it is good for the heart. Dream because dreams have power. And never forget, no matter what each day brings, that we, collectively and individually, matter. 

Have a wonderful year World

D.V.

1.1.2026