They've left, but the stories they've left behind are still swirling.

All this talk about genders is a bit confusing
All emotions have been torn
But then again, I was a man trapped in a woman's body
Until the day I was born

I pay my ***** 4 quartas
To sit in the corner
And make sure
I'm safe while I rage
In a game with torture
And gore
No need to be afraid
Of horror anymore
My ****** got my back
And a pocket full of quarters

I love your fierce approach. You swash
at me.  With strong arms you cut the air.
I feel the breeze of your determination.
You look like a soldier.  The art of love
is a frenzy of intensity. You can't take
me without a battle.  

I am the rose-holder, you are the steel
clad rider.  You joust to win my favor.
I throw petals to path your way to
me.  The minstrels play.  Sing amen
to this afternoon.

You have won the day! I am the
receiver of your presents.  Fifty years
have passed. My trodden soul is
bare. You rode the steed of truth
and beauty.  

It is my turn to write your name
in a church of sorrow.  To try to
climb down my lofty seat.  I kiss
you fairly my true warrior.  The
last joust was now.


Caroline Shank
5.26.22

I am clean and bright
with iridescent green head
and deep yellow bill.
I’m gliding over silent waters
It’s early afternoon
going to my mate, I can’t wait.
So glad it’s spring again, grass is fresh and strong
We make a beautiful sight together.
To caress your eyes
People looking at me taking pictures
Guess they can see
how deeply in love I am.
I’m on my way.


Shell ✨🐚

if whispers
could siphon off
even an ounce
of the love
you made me felt
i'd ramble
into the night

till first light
graced my face
and the sky
was lit up

Not lost as much as misplaced,
gone from where you should be
in bosoms of families
and conspiracies of friends
still adding your narrative arc,
your author’s hand

It is for us to ape your style,
continue your quirks and syntax
so the story, like these spring bouquets
will bloom well

It only takes one split second
in time
to change a life forever .
Treasure yours.


Shell✨🐚