I'd invite anyone
Who's experienced this phenomenon
To come forward and tell me I'm wrong
You can pull that wishbone apart
And get the bigger half
But your wish will never come true
A waste of time to even ask

surrounded by
shell-glossed earthtones
teals on magenta
images of americana,
from native moccasins to
an embroidered 50 states
(of slices of mind)
engraved tobacco canister,
grandpa’s favorite pipe
crafted crochet blankets
spun out from grandma’s hands
like magic
one antique menorah
lit in holiday memories
books and photos in movie star
glamour mixed with
wild-haired natural
smooth polished woods and
painted cityscape, all
slick rugged cozy
colorful trinkets against
subtle plush
of beige, elegance of
textures in tandem
love’s timeless flame
wrapped around me,
like a flannel blanket
acceptance and welcome
ringing
in my pores like freedom
and I float upon this bed
in my mother’s home,
once mine
(still mine)
as in a river
flowing out tendrils
our bond unbroken
past and present bathing me
in deep-seated roots of caring
what more could a daughter,
now also a mother,
ask for

All of the shining mad ones
With their heresies of reality
And other visions and other voices
Are not diminished
By the multitude of choices
That is their truth
Upon each waking day

They are woken by the howl
From beyond the first ear
And into the deeper mind
Where there is other language
And blinding colours of emotion
For madness has the purity of pain
That martyrs can only long for

                                           By Phil Roberts

Empty bellies
Freezing limbs
Sleeping on the sidewalks
Or park bench
No blankets or pillow to keep you warm
A cardboard box as your shelter
Feeling safe is not an option
Fear for your life on the
DARK
C
  O
     L
        D
streets alone
No one to protect you or feel at home

This is my life
I’m not ashamed to say
But could you stop and just pray
Pray for my safety and that I will find shelter and food
But most of all, for me, to just be happy and good...

I scrap and peel the patchwork of the earth
Half written dreams dust the floor
In the crook of her neck we drown
Secrets eat away the floor
The petal of her taste nips the winter pain
Bird travelers taste the treetops
Torn like a page from the language of your touch
I'd split my bones to place you indside
The day seemed so young as the floors begin to moan
A hummingbird sobbing in the deepness of time
As the night dreams

Living the
R
   O
     L
       L
         E
           R
C
O
A
S
T
E
R
Of life events
Starts with a slow ride of growing up inside of your mother
As it reaches the end of your warm and cozy environment safe inside
The ****** reaches the top of the hill
Racing into the world at full speed as the coaster plunged down the big drop
You are now thrown into this crazy world
Filled with twists
      Turns
Highs
       Lows
Slow and steady
        Fast and furious
Your journey may start off wild and crazy
                                 Or
Could be calming and take an unexpected turn

Sometimes the track of the ride will just stop and need to be evacuated
                     Or
Can just break down while your waiting in line
This represents all who have had miscarriages
                  Or
Premature pregnancy, still born, that ended too soon

You may try again later in life to restart the ride
Hopefully to enjoy the journey of so many others did waiting in line in front of you

Those who made it through the roller coaster of life
Will enjoy the ride of a lifetime
Buckled and strapped into your wild and crazy ride that we call
                LIFE