In the dark of night

I snuck out of bed

The monster picked a fight

So quickly I fled



Stood by my sister, poked her a bit

A sleepy frown above her eyes

She told me to sit

I was scared and she was wise



She pulled the cover over me

And told me to sleep

She was a big girl, older than me

She held me close, I needn't weep



I dreamed of fields with flowers

And strange round trees

Mountains with towers

And puddles with bees






She stood beside me

Like a  light beam

Watching over me

Setting me free


I was brave for a time

Brave as brave could be

Searching for the monster

Hiding up the tree



The monster saw me

I screamed, he’s got me

Oh no he’s not

We both jumped under the covers

My sister and me.

                                   Lily Nurmi & Paul Gaffney.

The thought of my lips against yours are like soft satin plumped cushions that slowly press against each other;
slowly seeping,
and elevating,
yearning for more.

The wind whispers in soft, lilting echoes;
that enchant and linger the presence of idle stars and graceful jasmines;
on a musky summer midnight

you broke me in the most delicate way,
that even pain felt beautiful.

As sleepless thoughts savage,
the devil whispers into my ears,
softly triggering,
resonating melancholy,
the moan of a creature known to be depraved
and sinister,
soon becomes the lilt of an angel
who was once unfortunate
and misunderstood.
he calls me religiously and persistently,
captivating and lurring me,
to a side that has a melody; unknowingly *unholy.

I extend a hand,
a smile to Death, and bid him
comfort in my soul.

Since my father died
so young, always unreasoned
fear of dark, the end.

I have my father's
heart; it will fail me, just as
his stopped that winter.

He worked when he could
(not often at the end) to
keep family fed.

I have my father's
heart; I work for food, shelter
to its final beat.

I say in half-jest
I work to eat better cat
food in retirement.

The half-truth unsaid
is I work so my wife might
eat in retirement.

I pray I have my
father's heart; lived so bravely
and died so alone.