It was a simple act
reading a book I talked about
and getting to talk with someone about it
made me smile
shinning a light in the darkness
I've been in for so long

It was just us talking about a book
but it meant so much to me
because it gave me a reason
to fight for another day

I'll write of our pact as novice lovers.
We made our baby to show them our
fierce vows to our communion as one.
Love always lasts forever we believed.
We were West Side Story in suburbs.
If only I could have died like Tony.

Explain the words
and all freedom is gone
Slicing and dicing
enslaved to the throng
Meaning depends
upon whom and what’s heard
Evolving new wings
—each reader a bird

(Dreamsleep: January, 2024)

Make sure you know
what you’re trying to say

But let readers figure it out
— for themselves

(Dreamsleep: January, 2024)

Sometimes
it’s a very good idea
to cry

Sometimes
hello the opening act
of goodbye

Sometimes
what you think about
is not what you know

Sometimes
the reason to come
the best reason to go

Sometimes
when cresting the hill
the view doesn’t change

Sometimes
when cresting the hill
your destiny claimed

Sometimes
when music enthralls
the poetry flows

Sometimes
when music enthralls
there’s nothing to sow

Sometimes
a wish in the wind
beats two in the well

Sometimes
the harder we pray
the closer to hell

Sometimes
just what you ask for
is just what you’ll get

Sometimes
when hope has been lost
— it’s best to forget

(Dreamsleep: January, 2024)