Delete every trace,
Disguise the lingering numb,
Retreat from the race.

Stressed out, ****** up, broken, and tired,
All thoughts of happiness long since expired.
Words are the only things keeping me sane,
In the same breath, praising/cursing my brain.

Turn up the silence and block out the sun,
Alone in my room, a bottle and a gun.
It goes click twice, I'll see another day,
Tears start to fall, can't carry on this way.

Beauty and despair hold my hand in theirs,
Hopelessly departed beating hearts without repair.
Repeating words bleeding from your mouth into my soul,
Lie awake at night entreating all the things that keep me whole
To please just stay a while longer while weeping out the words
That keep my body stitched together from the curses and the slurs.
Broken down in tears from all the fears of passing years,
Constantly approaching a future that seems unclear.
But I keep myself intact because, in fact, I'm doing well,
Beauty beats despair, carries my mind out of its hell
On white wings, the choir sings, "it's you and we together,"
Beating back the blackest nights, always and forever.

Greetings HelloPoetry community! Since arriving here, I've found a home I could have never imagined, and a support for my work that fills my heart with more joy than I can begin to express to you. I would like to offer a sincere thank you to all of my supporters, and anyone who has taken the time to peruse my work. Now, I must ask you all for one more favor. As a result of my exposure on this site, I was discovered by a publishing company, and have been included in a compilation of nine previously unpublished authors titled Cry Love (http://www.amazon.com/Cry-Love-More-Voices-Verse/dp/0692392408/ref=sr11?ie=UTF8&qid;=1432052822&sr;=8-1&keywords;=andrew+Switzer). The book costs a mere ten dollars, and all of the proceeds go towards ensuring that we continue to find a venue for our linguistic gymnastics. Now, I'm not unreasonable. Anyone who purchases a copy, and spreads the word to their friends, family, and colleagues, will not go unrewarded. For what it is worth, I will help to spread the word of your works, and ensure that you gain exposure with my circle of friends and family, at the very least, in the hopes that you may one day be able to be published as well. This is a dream come true for me, and it would make it all the better if you would be able to purchase one copy, in support of the arts and the continued love for the manipulation of the English language. Thank you in advance to all who may purchase one, and best wishes to all!

Raucous laughter and clinking glasses fill the air, already brimming with the intoxicating scents of ocean air and freshly grilled salmon.
Crab legs crack, revealing succulent white meat and dripping juices down sun burnt chins and salt licked chests.
Seven men, all eating their weight in seafood, happy for the simple joy of being reunited once more.
Margarita, tequila, Corona and more,
I've never felt better, passed out on the floor.

Chasing after women who can't or won't appreciate
The things I say and do,
I sit alone, deteriorate,
Search for someone new.