I saw you today.
You looked just as good as the day I met you.
Your hair was slicked back, just like I remembered.
You were wearing your favorite shirt.
Your shoes, Your lips, Your  hands,
all the same.
But your eyes have changed, my dear.
They have her reflection in them, instead of mine.

There once was a rat, a gym rat that is
When it came to fitness he was a wiz.

Powder and chicken was all he consumed.
All of the other foods were surely doomed.

Ripping, rushing, running around the town.
He liked to pick things up and put them down.

From his traps to calves, his muscles were ripped.
Pushing and pulling, the scales he would tip.

His veins did pop like pink birthday balloons.
His buns resembled big-***** baboons.  

Many beads of sweat would drip down his face.
Gallons of water he’d drink case by case.

Visions of protein shakes danced through his head.
Others that trained with him soon would be dead.

The rat would pump iron day after day.
But, out of the gym his life was astray.

White tank tops, jean shorts, and sneaks he would wear.
In hopes that all the fit ladies would stare.

Alas poor gym rat could not catch a mate.
Perhaps, a brain workout would score him a date.

Worn glass vase on window sill
Thin yet steady
Tall and still
Empty, no substance within its seams
I wonder dear vase, does the emptiness make you scream?
Does it bother you, vase, that you have nothing inside?
No emotion, no flowers, with nothing to be eyed?
I understand dear vase, you have been through much
Through firey kilns and rugged hands touch
Perhaps if I had been through that, it would be my preference too
It is easier, vase, to remain empty and untrue

The loud laughter and back woods smoke.
The diet coke and offensive jokes.
The tall trees blessing us with shade.
The polished bench my father made.
The arguing daughters, never ending fight.
The Wikipedia searches to see who is right.
The Patriots games and children roam.
Might not sound like much, but hey it's home.

I gave you
My heart
So quickly
And without
Hesitation
That I never
Bothered to ask
If you wanted it
To begin with.

And now
As I stare at
All the messages
I sent to you,
Each one left
Unanswered,
I wonder if
Maybe
I should have.

I thought my heart was mended.
I thought my mind was strong.
I thought that I was able.
Perhaps, these thoughts were wrong.

I thought I was a kite,
Free from your restrain.
I thought I was a wedding dress,
Free from your black stain.

I thought my legs were sturdy.
I thought my conscience, pure.
I thought I had moved on.
Until I saw you there with her.

Please stand,
For a moment of silence.

Please open you hearts,
To let the spirits of the fallen bring you tranquility.

Please ponder,
The final images sprinting through the minds of those who fought for your freedom.

Please remember,
The widows that wept at the sight of the American flag draped over a black pine coffin.

Please stand,
So those who have been silenced do not have to do so alone.