Feeling gratitude for how it all started….
________________________________
“Open It!”
It was unexpectedly in my inbox,
Time stamped and waiting there for me.
Was I willing to know who sent it,
Just how strong was the curiosity?
“Open it,” I told myself,
“Just open it up” because…
There was no reason not to,
And the excitement gave me a buzz.
If I clicked it, I could get some answers,
And hopefully not just more regret.
Should I roll the dice and gamble?
Or log off and try to forget?
A deep breath in, and then an exhale,
Before I opened up your gift.
Thank goodness I had that instinct,
Cause my single life would forever shift.
Your email turned into texting,
And texting turned into dates.
Those dates turned into planning,
And picking out some plates.
We made promises that were witnessed,
Before we partied and ate some cake.
Who knew that answering your email,
Would be the best decision I’d ever make.
© c.c. Snowden 2025

It is possible to exist,
And leave the politics alone.
We can stop shaming voters,
With the judgemental tones.
We all have two eyes,
Two ears, and a brain.
And don’t need convincing,
Or to have it explained.
Because our vote is our vote,
And we each made a choice.
We exercised our right,
And used our own voice.
So, if we cannot agree,
About the Commander and Chief,
Who cares? Grab a beer!
Because, life is TOO brief!
Just picture us drinking,
Some Americans with brews.
No one is discussing,
What politicians to choose.
We can talk about sports,
The relationships in our lives.
Where we’re from, where we’ve been,
And what kind of cars we all drive.
So, we don’t need to argue,
Or even mention his name.
We are all American citizens,
Our voting right is the same.

If you’re driving down the road,
And the humidity starts to explode.
Well, welcome!
You’re now entering Jacksonville!
If there’s a bridge to get everywhere,
And road construction to expand or repair.
It’s more than likely….
You’re somewhere in Jacksonville!
If you live for football season,
Or tailgating for any reason.
Just yell…..”Duuuuuvallll” !!!!
(It’s how we  roll in Jacksonville.)
When coffee scents are in the air,
And trains are more common than they’re rare.
Plan accordingly, cause that’s just Jacksonville!
When you hear a southern draw,
From the store clerk at Avenues Mall.
She was born and raised,
A proud native of Jacksonville!
If you’re at a concert and it is heard,
A loud voice yelling “play Freebird!”
Well, you’re welcome!
Lynyrd Skynyrd was from Jacksonville.
If you get sick and need the BEST,
We’re like a modern medical fest.
There’s great options,
Thankfully in Jacksonville!
If fast-paced life should turn you off,
And dream of 18 holes of golf.
We’ve got The Players,
And many courses in Jacksonville.
If sunsets are what you crave,
Featuring a river or an ocean wave.
It’s so romantic!
Je t’aime, Jacksonville!
So, if you’re planning a Florida trip,
Why not start at the very tip.
We’re happy to have you!
Come experience Jacksonville!