As you take that step closer to the edge
To get the view they won't
As you stand to speak
And their voices cease
Or you lean in slowly
For that first kiss
As your wit turns to humor
Before their laughter fills the room
As your plane lands
And you search for a face
Or your hesitant finger
Hovers "Submit"

You feel it along your forearms as the hairs begin to rise
And in your stomach, as it starts to squirm
You feel it in your bones
And in your mind, as it races to process
What's next

© JL Smith

I was going to piece these words together
To write you something just short of magic,
But then I realized it was I who needed them
More than embracing my hopeless romantic

© JL Smith

Alone again,
But not lonely
Accepted solitude
As tranquility
Your fear
My freedom
Exploring my depth
Releasing my demons
Core settles
In tune
Mind opens
Heart composes
Serenity and beauty
Heeding inner voice
Spiritual rejoice
Gratitude
Emotional latitude
Flows freely
Rejecting the judgmental,
Artificial
Open to growth
Affirming an oath
Confident in myself
Purpose in moving forward
Trusting my gut
Relying on Superiority
The One and Only
Alone again,
But not lonely

© JL Smith

With these hands
I've written stories
I've penned my secrets
And shared my glory

With these hands
I've assisted my friend
I've patted his back
And made amends

With these hands
I've lifted a child
I've caressed her face
And witnessed a smile

With these hands
I've earned my keep
I've labored long hours
And rested my feet

With these hands
I've held you tightly
I've loved you gently
And given politely

With these hands
I've dried my tears
I've bandaged my wounds
And conquered my fears

With these hands
I've prayed to our Creator
I've thanked Him for this gift
And a Love that's greater

© JL Smith

I'm harder on myself
Than you will ever be
You're more concerned with my world
Than your own scenery
It gets under your skin
The way you watch me progress
Contrasting yourself
Surrendering before success
Judging my every move
Accomplishments and failures
Embellishing the latter
To suit the envy you've tailored
Shift your energy and focus
It's not too late to start over
Accept I am my own worst critic
Yet, I continue planting seeds like the sower

© JL Smith

I can recall every detail
On the top of my sneakers
The faded red
And ***** laces

I can recollect my hands
Crossing my fingers
Increasingly clammy
In between spaces

I remember
The wall, ceiling and floor
Cracked and stained
Bland in places

I summon to mind
Your long-sleeved shirt
Buttons and collar
As my memory retraces

I remind myself
Of what frightened me next
The contact we made
As my heart races

And so I relive
The most precious of moments
As our eyes finally meet
Their passion embraces

Don't let me forget
The depth of connection
As our souls were exchanged
Through the windows of our faces

© JL Smith

Stroll into my life
Conveniently a critic
Choosing when and where
To enter my story
Pessimistic cynic

The mask you wear
May hypnotize
Attracting followers
Here and there
I'm not deceived,
But wise beyond my years

Project onto me
Anger and jealousy
I'm constructed
To comprehend;
What you portray
Deflects your fear
As loneliness sinks in

Defining your disease
Is simple
A hypocrite,
You pretend
I offer my hand,
A genuine token
Yet your pride
Is in command

© JL Smith