A room full of artificial stars
You held a baby, bounced him
on your knee
repeating the words
"Oh, I do like you."
May 10, 2013
May 10, 2013 at 9:45 PM UTC
I wish the harvest moon didn't
leave me feeling that I'd never find
my breath. That I could see eye
to eye with what once brought
such joy. Dancing in the rain
kicked up below our feet, waves
crashing around us, we threw
bottles into the ocean
but decided
to save the messages for a sunny day.
Sep 4, 2011
Sep 4, 2011 at 8:45 PM UTC
In my dreams
you are the moon;
you occupy the right side
of my thoughts.
A synesthete's slumber:
I see your face
shining over unsure tides
and feel glad
in shades of lavender.
Sep 4, 2011
Sep 4, 2011 at 8:39 PM UTC
Suffice to say
that if you came back,
I would throw open my arms
and dance, love,
because it's easier
than falling prostrate
on an unswept floor.
The door remains unlocked
in case you try
to come back home
but have forgotten your key.
There's one beneath the mat:
back left corner.
Although it's possible
that you've forgotten by now,
so I sleep easier
leaving it open.
If someone should enter,
I have nothing to steal.
Some things have changed:
The cat has run away
and I've learned
to find strength
in solitude.
But I still wear
that blue dress
that you always loved,
and I like to pretend
I can still make out your scent
among the cotton fibers
as they rub together
when I dance to a familiar song.
And I do still dance.
Once you return
we can re-lock the gate.
The neighborhood's not safe
like it used to be.
Sep 4, 2011
Sep 4, 2011 at 8:19 PM UTC
“I can’t believe
you listen to this song”
she said, stacking forks; dishes; spoons.
Foot tapping
inside worn out shoes
as Tracy Chapman sang
about her fast car.
“I used to hear this song,”
*Fast enough
that we could fly away*
“and think just picking up and going.
Not worrying anymore
about any of this.”
*Speed so fast
Felt like I was drunk*
More stacking: cups; knives; wineglasses.
And I had a feeling I
could be someone
be someone,
be someone.
And as she left
I wondered
if she would have taken me with her
in her fast car.
Sep 2, 2011
Sep 2, 2011 at 12:50 PM UTC
We watched a fire
engulf the night sky.
You were not afraid;
instead you smiled
as the flames lapped up the stars.
And for a moment, it seemed as though we'd found daylight--
drifters in the desert searching for the sea.
Violent burst.
I saw your face, eyes rimmed with tears,
happiness spilling down tender cheeks.
I wondered how it was that you were unafraid,
but you took my hand.
Steady; unwavering.
I traced the end along your ringed palm,
wishing to tear down the stars
and keep them within your reach,
safe from the chaos, the fear.
Another year was asking too much;
the pyre had reached us and all we could do was watch.
Gallant glory, brilliant destruction.
Sep 2, 2011
Sep 2, 2011 at 12:04 PM UTC