Yesterday’s Past …

I want to give a shoutout to Expansion & Perception for inspiring this post. A few days ago, they shared an insightful piece on Green Roofs, also known as Hanging Gardens. These have become a popular choice in urban areas, providing significant environmental, economic, and social benefits.


Thank You
Expansão e Percepção for this Idea.

.Yesterday’s Past.

In a small, quiet town so cozy and bright,
Where dwarfs live happy in homes just right,
The houses all gleam with rooftops of green,
A sight so special, simple, serene.


Hanging Garden Homes

Children still play in the open air,
A joy that’s fading, now so rare.
Neighbors talk, kids laugh, and say hello,
As the sky above puts on a vibrant show.


What ever happened to the days of “Kick the Can, 1,2,3 Red light, Hide and Seek, Jump Rope and Hopscotch?”

But why aren’t people smiling more?
Why the distance, the closed-off doors?
Is it the TV, the screens that glow,
The gadgets that claim all we know
.


This is more of what it looks like now.

Autumn nears, and leaves will fall,
Orange, yellow, and green in it all,
Yet the green rooftops will proudly stay,
A reminder of life that won’t decay.


Fall Season is Near

Driving down roads through leafy scenes,
I think of the past and what it means.
Like leaves, we too must shed and renew,
To rise again, fresh and true.


Just like leaves, we too must be shed and renewed.

So take a drive, take a glance,
Notice what’s missing in a fleeting chance.
Just like expansion, there’s more to see,
In moments unnoticed, life’s mystery.


There is so much untapped beauty in the world, waiting to be discovered.

As fall arrives and leaves descend,
Beauty surrounds us, without end.
Yet people stay in, doors remain closed,
Even Halloween nights no longer glow.


We need to get back to the days where kids played outside and neighbors talked and gossiped.

Winter comes, the snow falls down,
But children are nowhere to be found.
So step outside, be bold and free,
Lie on the grass or snow and see.


If you choose to walk instead of drive, you’ll discover the beauty all around you.

Embrace the moment, cherish today,
For life is short, it won’t delay.
Don’t live with regrets, let go of the past,
For today’s the day—make memories that last.


It was just a dream, but it deserves to come true.

The End

Willie Torres Jr.

09/13/2024

If you feel inspired and uplifted by this content, please consider supporting my work at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/willie13. Every contribution helps me create more of what you enjoy!

94 responses to “Yesterday’s Past …”

  1. Chris Avatar

    Wonderful post 💯 Great job Willie and amazing images. Well done 👍 Have a great day 🌞

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank You so much. I truly appreciate it, it means alot coming from you.
      Have a Great Night and a Great Weekend

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Chris Avatar

        Likewise 🙏 🌞

        Liked by 3 people

  2. Mary K. Doyle Avatar

    This is such a good poem and reminder not to miss out on what’s right in front of us, Willie. Fortunately, I live in an area where we walk and talk.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank you so much for Reading and for Commenting. I completely agree with you. We often take things for granted and push aside the small, meaningful moments, like greeting our neighbors, enjoying the sight of children playing outside which we seldom see anymore, and appreciating the beauty of life and nature, along with all of God’s wonderful creations.

      I’m really happy to hear that you live in a community where neighbors still connect and walk together. That’s truly wonderful.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Grazie per la Visita e per aver Letto. Ti auguro un Meraviglioso e Benedetto fine settimana.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. worldphoto12 Avatar

        CONTRACCAMBIATO DI CUORE CARO WILLIE

        Liked by 2 people

  3. asamoyosi Avatar

    You are right. I too am concerned that daily human connections and contact with nature are becoming very scarce.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      It’s so unfortunate.
      Thank You for Reading and Commenting.
      God’s Blessings to you, today and always.

      Like

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank You for Reading and Commenting 👍🏻🤗

      Liked by 2 people

  4. Johnbritto Kurusumuthu Avatar

    Fantastic post! 💯 Excellent work, Willie, and the images are incredible. Well done! 👍 Wishing you a wonderful day ahead 🌞

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank You so much and Thank You for Reading and Commenting.
      Be Blessed and Continue to be a Blessing.
      Happy and Blessed Weekend.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. Warren Richards Avatar

    Nicely done! ✌🏾

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank You very much and Thank You for Reading and Commenting.

      Liked by 2 people

  6. noga noga Avatar

    Expansion & PerceptionI read this article and saw pictures of gardens hanging on the roofs of houses, and I admired them so much that I am thinking of making my house like this. I mentioned the interconnectedness of children going out in the yards in front of houses, like the countryside everywhere, but even the countryside is no longer like this. Technology has advanced, taking us even from each other in the house. One: Does time go back? A dream we hope to achieve

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      🤗😢 I miss those days. I wish we can turn back the clock or even go back to the way things were before technology took over our lives.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. noga noga Avatar

    🌹🌹🥰The beginning of a week full of enthusiasm and friendliness. I wish you and us the fulfillment of your dreams, my dear brother Willy Torres

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      I wish the same for you and for all of us.
      Thank You so much for Reading and Commenting.
      Be Blessed and Continue to be a Blessing.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. noga noga Avatar

        😍I love reading your blog, my brother Willy Torres. Have a nice day and good luck always

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank you so much for your Kindness, Support and Ecnouragement.

      Like

  8. Sia Avatar

    Wonderful post, Willie!👌And images are awesome 🤩 …so good.
    Wishing you a blessed and happy day ahead!🤗🌷

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank you so much 🤗 and Thank you for Reading and Commenting.

      Have a Wonderful, Safe and Blessed Weekend.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. pk 🌎 Avatar

    Wonderful post 💚💓💖

    Blessed and Happy Saturday 🌞🌈

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank You for Reading and Commenting.
      Blessing to you Today and Always.

      Like

  10. valenciartist Avatar

    Phenomenal post! Loved the message my brother! God bless.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank you so much. I had some great advice from Expansão e Percepção , who encouraged me to do something like this. I have to admit, I really enjoyed not only making the images but also reminiscing about the way things used to be.

      Thank you for Visiting, Reading and Commenting.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. valenciartist Avatar

        Wonderful advice and a great way to put it into a creative manner. Loved it, and you are very welcome, always a pleasure. All the best to you.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      I agree, it was a wonderful advice. I hope I did her justice.

      Thank you again so much for your encouragement and support.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. valenciartist Avatar

        You certainly did. Always a pleasure to visit your site brother. Have a great Saturday evening/night!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank you for Visiting, Reading and Commenting.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. luisa zambrotta Avatar

        Wishing you a lovely weekend, dear Willie

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      God Bless You today and always.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. M. D. Álvarez Avatar

    Life is very short and you have to take advantage of it, because before you realize it, you are underground.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Life is indeed short, and it reminds me of James 4:14 where it says our life is like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. While our time here is brief, I believe it’s crucial to live intentionally, not just for ourselves but for God’s glory. Instead of focusing on what happens when we’re gone, we can make the most of the time we have by loving others, pursuing our purpose, and sharing the message of Christ. What we do here can have an eternal impact.

      Thank You for Reading and Commenting.

      Be Blessed and Be a Blessing.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Freddie Avatar

    Creative and I like all the image you created Willie.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank you so much and Thank you for Reading and for your Wonderful Comment.

      Have a Wonderful and Blessed Weekend.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Freddie Avatar

        My pleasure Willie, have a wonderful weekend also. God bless.

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Expansão & Percepção Avatar

    😅Wow, I loved Leo’s dream. It was so much fun to walk with Leo through the city of green roofs. And the story also makes us reflect: “Children no longer play in the streets with healthy games, neighbors no longer talk on the sidewalk”, that’s a fact! I sincerely thank you for your commitment to sustainability and the participation of our dear Leo. God bless you! 😊🙌🏻✨ 🦁🙏

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      I’m so glad you enjoyed Leo’s dream/ Yesterday’s Past.

      Thank you for your advice and for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone. It’s amazing how creative stories can make us reflect on important topics like community, children, life, happiness, and care, as well as the current state of the world and the changes we need to make for a better future. I used your idea and added some challenging realities about today’s world.

      Your support means a lot to me. Thanks again and Best Wishes and Blessings to you.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Expansão & Percepção Avatar

        May God bless you and inspire you much more. Thank you and have a good week! 😉🙏🦁

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank You. God Bless You as well, today and always.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. M. D. Álvarez Avatar

    Beautiful story, friend Willie.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank you so much and Thank you for Visiting, Reading and Commenting.

      Liked by 2 people

  15. WanderingCanadians Avatar

    I’m such a fan of green roofs as well. Great poem to highlight some very important messages. Life is a gift. We should enjoy all the moments!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank you so much for Reading and Sharing your Thoughts! Have you ever come across a green rooftop home? I hadn’t seen one or known much about them until Expansao mentioned them in her post.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Beverly Weldon Avatar
    Beverly Weldon

    Amen, brother for the blissful, beautiful reminder and illustrations of days long gone, it seems, until the Lord comes to abide with His people in His kingdom of unimaginable beauty, peace love and harmony! Heart warming message! 💛🙏🙏🙏

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      To God Be the Glory.
      Thank You so much for Reading and Commenting.
      It’s the sad moments of Yesterday’s Past .
      God Bless You today and always.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. GP Avatar

    I wish it didn’t have to be a memory or a dream!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. I completely agree with you. It’s unfortunate that dreams and memories have become just that—faint echoes of what once was. People rarely take the time to truly connect with each other, and it’s sad to see that children don’t go outside to play anymore. The world has shifted so much, and while technology has its advantages, we’ve lost that sense of community and the simple joys that came from face-to-face interactions and outdoor fun. Here’s hoping we can all find ways to bring some of that back.

      Liked by 3 people

  18. Japão Para Românticos Avatar

    This is fantastic, it’s a relevant topic for a world in crisis. In Tokyo, they are already adapting hanging gardens into architecture. Congratulations! 😉👏

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      WoW, for real? I didn’t realize the hanging gardens were so fascinating! You should definitely do a blog post about them sometime and show us more.

      Thank you for Reading and Commenting. Thank you for your Support and Encouragement.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Japão Para Românticos Avatar

        A great idea! I’ll make a post about modern Japanese architecture with photos of these hanging gardens. Congratulations on the beautiful inspiration, Leo’s dream.😃🦁

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

      Have a Great, Safe and Blessed Day.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Japão Para Românticos Avatar

        😉🙏I appreciate your ideas.

        Liked by 1 person

  19. Julie Sheppard aka Reiko Chinen Avatar

    Love this and the art was terrific!!!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank you so much and Thank you for Visiting, Reading and Commenting. I’m so happy you liked the post.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. noga noga Avatar

      Good morning My brother Willie Torres

      Liked by 3 people

  20. Laura Avatar

    Very nicely done, Willie 😊 I liked how you incorporated the poetry so beautifully and effortlessly 🙏 great job on the images as well

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank you so much for that heartfelt comment, and Thank you for Reading.

      Have a Blessed Week ahead.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Laura Avatar

        Same to you! 😊

        Liked by 2 people

  21. Susana Cabaço Avatar

    Love this, Willie! Beautiful, inspiring, and worth reflecting upon…! It took me easily to my personal wonderland and to the world I wish to see upon our Earth. Grateful for you and for your gifts. Always a plus in our lives. Sending you divine blessing and infinite light*

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank you so much for Reading and for your heartfelt Comment. I’m thrilled to hear that the post inspired you and helped you envision a world of beauty.

      Your words and Blessings are deeply appreciated.

      I’m truly Grateful for your Support and for the Encouragement.

      Blessings to you today and always.

      You Are Loved.

      Liked by 2 people

  22. Kritika Avatar

    True that “Like leaves, we too must shed and renew,
    To rise again, fresh and true.”
    Great poem with creative photos.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank You so much for Visiting, Reading and for Commenting.
      Amen 🙏🤗 to your Response.

      Have a Wonderful and Blessed Day.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Great Afternoon and Blessings to you.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. worldphoto12 Avatar

        SEMPRE GENTILISSIMO

        Liked by 3 people

  23. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
    Willie Torres Jr.

    Truly grateful for your kindness and friendship 🤗

    Liked by 2 people

  24. noga noga Avatar

    🙋🏼‍♀️🤲🏼🌹

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      🙏🤗🤗

      Liked by 2 people

  25. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙 Avatar

    Great share. Well done, my brother.

    Sorry, I have not received any of your posts in a while. It’s WP again. 😩

    Excuse me while I try to catch up.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      I know, a few of us have noticed that there have been issues with WP again. I appreciate you for letting me know and for taking the time to Read and for commenting.

      Thank you for your Kindness, Support and Encouragement.

      Be Blessed and Continue to be a Blessing.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙 Avatar

        It’s always a pleasure. 🤗

        Liked by 2 people

  26. jeanvivace Avatar

    Beautiful poem and cute pictures!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank you so much and Thank you for Reading and Commenting.

      Have a Wonderful and Blessed Day.

      Liked by 2 people

  27. marvellousnightmare Avatar
    marvellousnightmare

    Wonderful poem! I really enjoyed reading it! 🙂
    Though I must add that, when I was a child, I had trouble playing outside with other kids. I was also bullied in school and had difficulty finding friends. I know many people complain about the “online era,” but the internet gives us introverts, outsiders, and socially anxious people a chance to find friends and form bonds. Our imagination tends to paint the past as idyllic and perfect—just my opinion! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank you so much for Visiting, Reading and Commenting.

      Thank you for your kind words! I can definitely relate to your experience. Growing up, I also faced bullying and struggled with insecurity and fear that still affect me today. It made it difficult to open up and be bold like I wished I could’ve been.

      I agree that the online era has given those of us who felt like outsiders a place to connect and find understanding. While I sometimes think back on the past and wish I’d been more open or fearless, I try to remind myself that each part of our journey shapes us in some way.
      It’s great that you’ve found ways to bond with others in this space.
      Stay encouraged and continue to express yourself, your voice matters.

      Be Blessed and Be a Blessing.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. justrojie Avatar

    I would love to see all that greenery!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Me too. I hope to see it here but I doubt that we will ..
      Thank You for Visiting, Reading and Commenting.

      Liked by 2 people

  29. @DeeptiArun Avatar

    Liked this a lot. Thank you for sharing.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      I’m so happy that you liked this. Thank you so much for Visiting, Reading and Commenting, it Truly means so much to me.
      God Bless You today and always.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. PradP Avatar
    PradP

    Beautifully expressed and pictures are so apt,you have a great skill in creating a wonder.💐🌸💐

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
      Willie Torres Jr.

      Thank You so much and Thank You for Reading and Commenting.
      I am so happy you enjoyed the Post.
      Be Blessed and Be a Blessing.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
    Willie Torres Jr.

    WoW 🤗 … Thank you so much for your kind words. I truly appreciate your Visit and your Comment. God Bless You today and always.

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a reply to Johnbritto Kurusumuthu Cancel reply

I’m Willie

Hello and Welcome to my Website.
My name is William Torres, but my family and friends call me Willie. It is a pleasure to be here with you today, and I am excited to share my faith journey with you.

My journey has been amazing and fulfilling as a new Christian. I have seen God work in my life in ways I never could have imagined. I have grown closer to my faith and have seen Him work in my life and the lives of those around me. I am truly blessed to call myself a Christian, and I am excited to continue to grow in my faith.

I believe that I have come a long way in life. Over the years, I have worked hard to become a better man, husband to Frances Torres, and father to our children. I have strived to be a good friend and companion to those I have been fortunate to build relationships with. I have learned to appreciate the small moments of joy and fulfillment that come with every human connection.

I began writing stories that I believe were inspired by the Holy Spirit. These stories are my testimonies about the different trials I have gone through, and how the Lord has helped me to overcome them. Through this process, I’ve discovered that I can forgive those I once vowed to never forgive, and in turn, my relationships with them have been restored. They are now a huge blessing and a special part of my life.

I hope that through my writing I can be a source of encouragement to other people in their faith and relationship with the Lord. I pray that those who read my words will be blessed by the Lord and find strength and comfort in His Word.

To be honest, I have had to come to terms with the fact that I am not perfect, but it is in this place of acceptance that I am able to truly worship a God who is. His infinite love brings me joy, strength, and peace, and I am thankful for the privilege of being able to serve Him.

I have also started a Social Media Ministry on Facebook, which I invite you to visit here. Being Crazy For Christ is a platform where I share my journey of faith, and I am also on YouTube – Willie Torres Jr. and I am excited to see all that God will do through it.

This is my hope, and I’m so thankful for it. I’m thankful for the love of Jesus, and I’m thankful for the chance to grow in Him together with you.

You Are Loved

Willie Torres Jr.

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