Oh my
how they flap and slither
shades of shades of
ghastly crassness

Haven't harnessed
their atoms' fickle spins
spilling, instead,
through the strong and wise and deserving
befouling their blood

Gulping and gaping their own small slice of evil
while we will guard ours
in cages of guilt and fantasy

Spill then
spill slickly,
sick, stupid spectres
You strengthen my bars
beyond imagining

(she was there and everywhere,

the sun peaking through the clouds,
and salty beach waves at noon time.

warm beer and burnt cigarettes,
red wine at breakfast.

the smell of new comic books,
and ink splattered on the table top.

watercolors and ripped paper,
shades and hues—weaving, fading.

all at once and gone again)

If happiness is key
Then what of the door?
A room with no exit
Just walls and a floor

It unlocks many things
Let life give you wings

If life is a blessing
Then why do I hurt?
A life not worth living
It’s but an insult

Cherish all that you feel
With time all will heal

You question your own life
Ignore the given
Play the fool and the child
Even the deaf listen

If time is a constant
Then why’d nights stand still?
Air hangs without motion
Breathe breaths that don’t fill

You’ll find peace in the dark
Listen to your heart

If hearts do have rhythm
Then why’s there no beat?
With eyes frozen open
I am dead asleep

*You questioned your own life
Ignored the given
Played the fool and the child
Even the deaf listen

Take this crumpled heart
It only beats in your hands
Hold it, forever

You were smashed onto the ground.
A vase on the high shelf knocked over by accident,
But you were able to get back up,
Glue yourself together,
Gather all the roses sprawled across the cold floor,
And remember how to live again.

That's strength.