But when I write,
My heart takes flight

With pen held high,
As I watch the ink dry

I've found my place.
Now this world, I can face.

I write poems for no one to read,
and that’s how I know they’re true.
Here’s sadness for no one’s benefit
a determination to continue that
does not ring hollow in these empty halls.
Genuineness is the bedfellow of solitude.

In a condescending tone I hear the way you judge my life
At first I want to take offense and give into the strife

Then I take a step back and objectively observe
I realise your the one who's lost you proved it with your words

You asked me shallow questions only focussed on externals
Then judged me based on made up scales that give no weight to the internal

Its proof to me that this same scale you use on your own life
And soon you will not measure up and fall on your own knife

Because you never can be good enough,  at least not for forever
Your shiny stainless ego will soon rust from stormy weather

I'm trying to think and figure out something to say to you about what I feel about you. I like you. I deeply care about you. I hope you're doing okay. I just don't want me to say that every time I talk to you. The surprise I got you is your summer vanillas berry perfume and a sketch book with pencils, colored pencils. I want you in my life. Even if we only see each other once in a while. I'll take it and it would mean a lot to me. More than anything. Oh and I do have a secret. I love you, [  ]. I don't know what else to say to you.

I sat down in front of him
"If I agreed to ******* would you spend the rest of the night getting to know me?"
He looked at me with shock in his eyes
"Yes."
"What if I took away your chance of ******* me, would you still get to know me?"
He swallowed
"Why are you asking me this?"
"I want to know if you have the ***** to open yourself up to the possibility of love."
He leaned forward
"Why would I do that?"
"I am offering you the chance of a lifetime. Now you want to get to know me and be happy the rest of your life? Or should I leave you to find your next good **** which will only bring you happiness for an hour?"
He stared at me
"I bet you $1,000 you don't have it in you to take this risk."
He stuck out his hand
"You're on."

We have been together for fifty years now
After spending the night getting to know me
minus the ***
I wrote him a check for $1,000
To this day it still sits in his top dresser drawer
He refuses to cash it