The only one I ever fear
is she who haunts my dreams.
The one who carries my heart.
She loves me more than life.
She knows everything about me.
I'm her world. I'll be her grave.

i have grown flowers out of the marrow of my bones
i have harbored seeds from the blood that flows
i have created skies from the pain in my eyes
and i do it all for you,
my wildflower

Diminished
but ennobled,
the soldier came home
his two limbs
traded for the
sanctuary
of a deeper peace

Broken
in completeness,
his braces held proud
each battle
medaled
in the memory
—of his finest hour

(The New Room: November, 2021)

With little to gain
and much more to lose
the soldier reloads
no longer to choose

A fate most uncertain
all outcome in doubt
his soul placed in Limbo
—too late to back out

(The New Room:  November, 2021)