the best has past
your youth long gone
you savor, remember
your first communion
a touch, a kiss
so innocent, exhilarating
never to be forgotten

The under shell of
the tortoise looked
like a sunset.
Blasts of color:
orange, maroon, burnt sienna.
I caught them in
the garden at
sunrise, eating a
tomato or chewing into
a head of lettuce.
They always looked so
serious.

I was just a
sunburnt boy, with
cutoff jeans and a
straw hat.
I caught toads too.
But when they peed on me,
I let them go.
I loved that land.
Ponds and streams,
fishing and climbing trees.
oh,
sweet, green
youth.

When looking at me
see yourself
We’re not that different
Just reflections seen in another light.



Shell ✨🐚

gently
so gently
you pulled the
threads loose,
set me free

but the relief lasted
barely a moment -
you tied me to
you, chained me,
and even after
you decided
you didn't want me
anymore

you left me
with the shackles
and the bruises
and the empty bed
and the sheets
that still smell
like you.

Separating walls
Are you on the inside or outside.
What’s inside today
can easily be outside tomorrow.


Shell ✨🐚