a rose petal pair

secrets untangled

the lengths of her hair

sun bathed and dreaming

a rose petal pair

hysterical heavens

we laughed at all fear

what good is a martyr

or death or despair

His laughter echos out of mine

His laughter echos out of mine

for which I hear each conscious time

I start to somehow forget him.

And like a long lost tale of old

I hold my breath and accept him.

It’s there he says—my mothers eyes—

to live and love more gently.

My son it’s up to you this time

his laughter echos out of mine

and there we build new memories.

one page at a time.

I sit, and read:

—”Comparisons are odious.”—

sipping, my tea

with birds feeling studious.

It’s calm.

I am happy.

Counting my blessings,

one page at a time.

skull and crossbones

At the end of the race

make em say:

to hell with these eyes they’ve seen too much

this tongue is all rotten with tasteless buds

what ears are these they’ve heard enough

and liver? What gall you, it’s all washed up!

His sole’s so worn, all callus and rough

even nail beds torn up from climbing so much

lips like a canyon, dried, cracked and his blood

it’s cheaper than whiskey, diluted with love!

To hell with his soul, heaven’s full and what?

His brain, are you mad? It’s pondered enough.

What use is this flesh, it’s ancient as stone

he’s breathed his last breath, he’s skull and crossbones!

together in the sun

Perhaps we could each

bring blankets to the park

sit far enough apart

so that our shadows can lie

together in the sun

—pure and untouched—

like before we knew

each other’s name.

Tell me a story

There’s a part of me

that see’s this all clearly

like a child standing in a crowd

there’s really only one way out.

What is it that you see

it’s fine to disagree

why if the world’s mine oyster please

forgive me for the lack of belief.

I had this faith in you

I thought you had it too

how many smiles does it take to show

the unhappiness we grew to know.

Do you take this hand

would you understand

lighting matches just to prove you could

did it ever do you any good?

Tell me a story, one without love, cause it’s taken me for granted so many times—enough.

There’s a part of you

engrained in me now

I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit

it’s a piece I won’t ever regret.

So what’s the point of these prose

and insecurity poems

like a fish needs water to breathe

I guess it really isn’t up to me.

If this is just a passing feeling

I’ll agree to disagree then

watch the sun rise and fall once more

a couple hours then I’ll start the chore.

You see I know my problems

it’s not up to you to solve them

if I go out the Hemingway

like Kerouac first I’ll have my say so

Tell me a story, one without love, cause I’ve taken you for granted so many times—c’mon.

Tell me a story, one without love, cause it’s taken me for granted so many times—enough.

Juliet

She was warm and aware

Her bright eyes full of care

By the moon she was fair

as light danced through her hair

Like a sound, Juliet

she spoke wise with regret

Where I found it quite strange

by the light steady rain

Where footprints should have been

she had gone with the wind

While I lay awoken

by the rays of her infinite light

sinking stones

He loved her still

she had to go.

For if she stayed

he’d never know.

Though deep down still

like sinking stones

there lie the words

lost long ago.

savior

though your spirit
may change
and your smile
may waver
I knew you long before
and
you are your own savior

Seasons Change

I found you in the dead of winter

We grew as one in the light of spring

Our passion climbed in the heat of summer

And we fell like lovers on autumns leaves