The poet lives two lives.
One on the outside,
And one in their mind.

When you look in their eyes
You could see an abyss.

If you looked long enough
You could sink into it.

But most people don’t see it.

Take the time to read the words, though,
And you would know for sure.

The poet lives in two different worlds.

Karla told me to give up art.
You really aren't very good at it, she said,
And suggested I take up drinking full time, instead.

At least with a beer in your hand,
You project a sense of purpose, she said
Even if it's only to empty the glass.

But your poems ramble on forever,
Your short stories always stop in the middle,
Maybe you should combine the two, she suggested
And blew her cigar smoke down the front of my sweater.

We will call them stoems she said and laughed,
And challenged me to a push up contest,
Right there on the dance floor.

I declined, she knew I would,
Then let's dance with our backs to each other, she said,
And defend this art of yours, silly puzzles no one can comprehend.

My first kiss,
Was a rush of equanimity,
A realization,
It was not the thing
Of fairy tales
But the tranquility of the moment,
Had made it perfect.
Somehow,
I knew exactly what to do.
I was not dumb founded at all.
The way our lips locked
And locked again. . .
And again. . .
Was like the world had stopped
Nothing else mattered but you
And me
And you
And you.

the sun shining bright
strings of light
I go out in the warm sunshine
running in flight
living in bliss
giddy and glittery
cheerily down the lane
without a care in the world
don’t put me for blame
for living in happiness
instead
go out in the vast wilderness
and find your life

I got my first tattoo
It's small and on my foot
It's sloppy like my life
And doesn't look that good

But it's not actually my first tattoo
That in fact was you
Not something anyone could see
Painted in me when you knew me

staring at the ceiling fan
as I lay on this couch
now too short for my growing legs
I hear your call from the kitchen

always cheery and welcoming
I think back on all the days
spent listening to you cooking away
endearing how you can be so loud

there have been many late nights
spent relaxing in this living room
watching ****** reality tv
that mom never let me watch at home

your familiar touch reaches over the couch
and softly brushes the top of my head
flowery perfume follows the gesture
and I glance up to meet your eyes

I don’t think you realize
how much I love your smile
how much you have impacted my life
or how much you mean to me

your eyes reflect the life you’ve lived
your attitude parallels your youth
only showing your age
through your weathered hands

your home smells of coffee
and antique furniture
in the most comforting way
and I never want to leave

this is my second home
made perfect by your love
unconditional and pure
supporting me always

my sweet grandmother
you never cease to amaze me
with your unending generosity
and kindness from deep within

as I walk out your door today
I know I’ll always return
you smile as you hug me goodbye
and whisper in my ear
the phrase from you we always hear

“Love You The Most”