do you feel safe within yourself?
do your beliefs battle your feelings?




what can i do to fight a winning battle?

are you proud to carry your father's name?
the weight of all your family sitting at the end of your title.

do you whisper it to yourself as you look in the mirror? do you search out his face in yours?
do you find the man that you remember? or do you find that man who still walks the earth?

people always tell you
"you have your father's eyes"
but even with his eyes you can't seem to find any part of him in you. except for his name.
stapled onto yours.

what is in between your legs?
honeysuckle and heavy cream?




can i have a taste?

my spine a garden trellis
waiting for new growth.

every spring anticipating
every season. slumbering.
waiting.

wishing for the next new blossoms
the next new gorgeous flower

to climb, and Climb, and CLIMB
interweaving in each vertebrae.

to test the waters
where they are fast and cold
or lucid and warm
tips of toes dipping in.

to sample flavors
where they are harsh and bitter
or creamy and sweet
tips of tongues dipping in.

i watch each act
you're putting on
i clap at intermission

but i can see right through
your costume
yes i can truly listen

with every laugh
you belt out
i hear you loud and clear

while the rest of
the whole audience roars
in your skin you shake with fear

you've put on this show
too often
not enough rest between nights

that you and i both know now
you're imprisoned by the
spotlights.