frost bitten, burdened
with a rucksack of sorrows,
we unravel doubts casting them
far below . . .
the darkened riverbed  
channeling heartbreak
through an embouchure
of song, harmonic breath
of winter's solstice, lilting promise
tilted toward warmer seasons
hope's amulet inscribed
with goldenrod
and swallow's melody

I am the emptiness
between the page
The long nights labor
without a wage

I am the text
without a spine
Electronic beasts
line after line

I am the way
backwards : a yaw
A keychain made
from a rabbits paw

I am the wind
that makes sailors dream
The separation of milk
and all of it's cream

I am the footsteps
across the hot sand
A ringless finger
attached to your hand

I am the breath of life
given to you
The taste on tongue
The morning dew

And by now you're
asking me for a clue
Sorry about that
It's left up to you

What is your beauty
your face or your heart
Your wealth or your soul
Your family or your isolation

What is your strength
your love or your anger
Your muscles or your brain
Your hatred or acceptance

What is your life
Your money or your passion
Your possessions or your legacy
Your words or your footprints

Whatever your love is
Make no apologies
Everything is different
In the way it is seen
If the is ever a question
Let it be
What is your...?

I sit alone
In my own company
Looking at my younger self
Through time jaded eyes
Wishing to give
Some learned advice
Wanting to share
The wisdom of age
But knowing
His time is past

Even when you have no one by your side you will always have yourself.