She had that
octopus smile,
always reaching for
something.
I was her small
fish; her handmaid.
I lived in her nebulous
world for far too long.
Inky confusion...

There's a reason for
your treason, said the
old man to the shark,
but Hem forgot, a beast
is a beast, they do
beastly things.
We all have to eat.

I'm done being the
meal.
It's your Ocean,
I'm just trying to
swim in it.

You're an oyster,
and I want your
pearl,
but I won't drown
for it.

Awake! arise! the hour is late!
Angels are knocking at thy door!
They are in haste and cannot wait,
And once departed come no more.

Awake! arise! the athlete’s arm
Loses its strength by too much rest;
The fallow land, the untilled farm
Produces only weeds at best.

Don't just don't stand too close,
what do you figure man!

Don't you know there is a pandemic!

I guess as far as you are concerned Big Government
will help you, don't you know, they will or will not.

Banking the house for winter
so the pipes don't freeze.

North, North America is o so cold
come winter... and the slush and the salt
ruining your car and your clothes.

I'd like a formidable climate,
a place to hang my hat.
Some place so awesome
you just want to plant your roots.

She was a west coast girl,
an artist and a beauty

She pulled up stakes
and headed east.

Didn't stop until
she could smell the Atlantic.

The vibe she emanated
was one of love and joy.

But there were other vibes in the air this Halloween night.

She took a ride to a party in the sticks,
someone from her apartment complex.

Found half-naked on the side of a dirt road,
it sounds like a horror film and I wish it was.

Things will never return to normal or her family.
Every Halloween, a sick memory, an awful chill.

Any other day
would have been fine

I would have
pulled out
the coffee ***

I  would have
served up
the sweets

and dusted off
the wing back chair

I would have
pulled out the ******
and told tales tall

Any other day
I would have
put the world
on hold,
turned off
the ringer

And given you
my undying
attention
but not today

This way
to the end of days

Passing
brain
insane

Streaming consciousness
Washing ashore messages

Hopes of a lifetime
down the drain

Fools with the world
Doing for an audience

Every bit
of us slowly
crumbles

Be careful
what you think

For they
come for you
whatever you do

Not to be caught
with your pants down

Looking like an idiot
Gladly passing for a fool