Don't follow in my footsteps
I warn you,
Soon they'll disappear
For my dreams won't
Keep me grounded
Before long,
these wings will lift me
In the air

© JL Smith

I invited you to dinner
Seated ourselves at a table for two
I glanced around the room
Summoning the courage to confront you

I've known you for too long
And I know you all too well
When times get hard and I need help
You step in, casting me under your spell

Others may ask if I'm all right
Extending a look or touch of sincerity
That's when I'm reminded of your voice
So I state, "I'm fine"--
Your infamous words of transparency

I know how you envy my vulnerability
Attempting to brainwash my nature,
But I've grown tired of your ego
And your effort to control my behavior

So, listen closely as I conclude these words
I'm accepting it's OK to admit I'm not
And I'm worthy of love
Tonight, dear Pride, I apologize,
But I'm breaking up with you on the spot

© JL Smith

Ninety-nine percent of the time
The truth is brutal
It'll knock you on your back
You'll lie there positioned fetal
Praying it cuts you slack

As for me,
I continue to bear my soul
While most fear truth
I disclose the untold

My ninety-nine percent
Consists of a night owl
And a midnight snack
Laughing until my gut wrenches
And researching odd facts

My truth
Subsists of stubborness
I blame my dad for that
Tears form when I get angry,
But I forgive, rather than fight back

My reality
Reveals clearly
I'm a dreamer wandering an offbeat path
I've been told my goal's improbable,
But I believe in magic after solving the math

And honestly,
My heart falls swiftly
For the one I can't have
And to the ones who wanted me,
I can't force feelings that I lack

Ninety-nine percent of the time
The truth is brutal
It'll knock you on your back
I've shared my proportion,
And it's worth enduring to reach
My one percent of liberation after that

© JL Smith

And honestly, I can't remember
The first day we said hello
Absentminded; a little shy
Soon humor set the tempo

Years passed, as we grew
In age and companionship
Strengthening a bond
Perfecting our own script

But forgive me for not remembering
The first day that we met
I promise you today
Your heart, your eyes and smile
Became a story I won't forget

© JL Smith

Maybe that's why my eyes stray to the skies
Toward the bird in flight
The rising sun's delight
The stars at night
The moon glowing bright
For my home is the Heavens
And one day I'll return
But for now, I'll relish nature's presence

© JL Smith

Where are you?

I read about you in books
And watched you on the silver screen
Society places considerable emphasis
On you sweeping me off my feet

Who are you?

Someone labeled, "Super"
Dressed in boots and a cape?
Or a dubious author
Shredding manuscripts you create?

No matter--

The fairy tale's a myth
No perfect prince charming or princess
Just a worn heart-on-her-sleeve lover
Searching for The One who will accept her mess

© JL Smith

Droplets
Wept
Through
Grayscale
Skies
Promise
Rainbows
Drying
Eye­s

© JL Smith

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 departed the city
To tally the stars,
But my thoughts of you
Lifted me among them
Between the moon and Mars

© JL Smith

And I wonder
If we feared saying those three words
A little less
Would our precious world reside
In its current state of distress?

© JL Smith

You promise to create a balance,
More or less,
But what if I desire someone similar
To my madness?

© JL Smith

You're holding me back,
You're holding me back!
To see the world, I desire
Yet, you control and conspire

Foreshadowing a future full of regret
If I comply with your reasoning;
Instilling doubt and anxiety
Comparing me to society

I'm breaking your grasp,
I'm breaking your grasp!
To hell with you, Fear
I'm moving forward
Abandoning you to my past

© JL Smith

Tonight, my tires traced the highway
I pulled over after missing my exit
Sidelined, I sat there
As the breeze through my window
Raised the hairs along my skin
And at once, it hit me
In that moment
Fear overcame bravery
Maybe you broke me
And there's no self-help book
To relearn how to let someone love me

© JL Smith

You're gentle to others,
So be kind to yourself
Your spirit uplifts,
So eradicate self-doubt
Your humor arouses joy,
Laugh rather than pout
But above all,
Keep smiling, Precious Soul

Signed sincerely,
Myself

© JL Smith

YOU AND MY HEART
Questioning the pair

Never saw it coming
And suddenly, it was there

Yesterday you spoke
Smiled as a friend

Today something's different
I can't comprehend

Clouded judgment
Rationality impaired

Loss my train of thought
Feelings undeclared

It beats a little faster
Now that you're near

YOU AND MY HEART
The answer became clear

© JL Smith

As you read this
Know that I am near

You may not see me
Nor will you hear

But trust me when I tell you,
Place your hand on your heart

Inside--that beating
Is me playing my part

With each thump that's felt
And the space in between

There my love resides
For only you, witnessing the unseen

© JL Smith

I'm not familiar with
The meaning of pretend
For the truth is what I offer
Even if it's what you bend

© JL Smith

Your eyes exclaimed beauty
Witnessing my face
Behind its cosmetic mask
I didn't expect any attention,
But your admiration
Stopped this heart in its tracks

© JL Smith

Pause like a comma
Breath hesitates
Anticipating distraction
Contemplating mistake
Throat dry as desert
Words clamped to tongue
Exchange of introductions
And we've only just begun

© JL Smith

SHE was
MaDnEsS and ChAoS
Botched together
By insecurities,
Hesitancy
Even so,
SHE exuded
COMPASSION
Enough to redress
Your misfortune

© JL Smith

And if I would have loved myself
The way I loved you
I wouldn't know the pain
I do

© JL Smith

It electrifies my veins
Blood charges through my body
When I gaze into your eyes
And view my soul reflected vibrantly

© JL Smith

Ticktock,
Drip drop
The voices of this house
Speak to me
And yet,
More comforting
Than the silence
We lived in
Before you left
Your key

© JL Smith

Tonight, I planned to write of strength,
But as I'm honest to the core
Tonight, I'll share I'm weak
Though I try my best to encourage peace
Tonight, I'll admit there's war within me
And as I wrestle with these words
Tonight, the tears surrender easily,
But maybe there's courage after my fall
Tomorrow, a blank page awaits to inspire and enthrall

© JL Smith

The drizzle
Lightly caressed my skin
Reminisced by a
Past lover's grin
I paused
I waited
Not for the gentle,
The timid,
The shy
But the roar of the sky
Birds seeking shelter
This is my high
The clapping of thunder
The absent passerby
Gone is the moon
Welcome, Monsoon
My sins washed away
A downpour
Wishing you had stayed

© JL Smith

MY LOVE IS DEEPER THAN YOU COULD FATHOM
A small body with a big heart singing its anthem

MY SPIRIT IS LUMINOUS LIKE THAT OF A CHILD
A reminder to live carefree with a bout of wild

MY LESSONS ARE LEARNED THE LONG WAY AROUND
A stubborn head, battling ten rounds

MY BRAIN ALWAYS QUESTIONS THE WHY AND HOW
An inquisitive thinker, a curious brow

MY KINDNESS IS LIMITLESS TO THOSE IN NEED
A compassion that shines for humanity

MY PATIENCE IS DEVELOPING IN ITS OWN TIME
A trait earned through trials and uphill climbs

MY CONFIDENCE IS BUILDING
A self-worth I'll continue honing

MY STRENGTH IS UNSTOPPABLE
A persisting power achieving the impossible

© JL Smith

And her eyes shared a story
Her lips never would
Hazel glistening like glass
Just as fragile
Exposing her past

© JL Smith

No matter where I roam
Nor what I see
Whether natural wonders
Or the Atlantic Sea
The home I've searched for
The home I need
I carry along within me
Embracing love
Penning poetry

© 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

If you tell me you fear heights,
I'll climb your highest mountains

If you tell me you fear water,
I'll sail your deepest oceans

Share with me your secrets,
I promise I won't tell them

If you admit that you feel broken,
I'll reassure you, your heart is golden

And if you fear to love again,
I'll show you that it's worth it

© JL Smith

If I called
Would you come running?

If I had one too many
Would you stop my world from spinning?

If I revealed my mess
Would you claim it as your own?

If I had lost my way
Would you save me from wandering alone?

If I needed to escape
Would you drive me for miles?

If my pain wouldn't cease
Would you incite a smile?

If I wanted to give up
Would you encourage me to endure?

If I felt uneasy and afraid
Would you protect and secure?

If I told you it's hard for me to trust
Would you risk a chance?

If I told you I'm a little hopelessly romantic
Would you tell me you fell in love at first glance?

© JL Smith

I'm not swayed by your status
Nor your wealth or crown,
While your nose is held high among the court
I've curtsied for comedy in the corner--
Your jester, my clown

© JL Smith

When the love you seek
Cannot be found
And the Heavens above
Draw your knees to the ground

You will find what you sought
Within your own arms
Place your hand over your heart--
This gift is His art

An abundance of love lies within
To witness its marvel, you first must give
In time, you'll discover it's enough
And that's when a heart seeking yours shows up

© JL Smith

It's 12:27 a.m.
And my postman's fast asleep
As I should be,
But I lie awake while you're also
Counting sheep

This distance between us
Cements my eyes to a map
Questioning the miles
Upon miles
Worth a hitchhike
And knapsack

For now, I'll write you poetry
Stamp and seal it
With a kiss
Until my mail carrier arrives
To deliver these words
Of how much you're missed

© JL Smith

I've been told
I feel too much
I overreact
As I'm easily judged
I overthink
Fervently speak
You dismiss my beliefs
And enforce critique

I've accepted your view
It's not mine to change
But open your mind
As our perspectives exchange

It's a gift and a curse
This heart of mine
For those I love or barely know
I'd drop everything, in the blink of an eye

It's true,
I feel ten times more than you
Your words hold the power
To rip me in two

But also know
I laugh louder than most
Joy floods my veins
Insanely compassionate--diagnosed

Worn heart on my sleeve
Isn't that what they say?
My emotions revealed
Requires more strength than you display

I choose to see good
In most everyone I meet
The world is cold enough
I empathize, I know how it mistreats

The spirit of a child
My soul in search of wonder
At the sight of the ocean
Or the clapping of thunder

I believe this is beauty
A mystery most won't comprehend
I'd face the demons before you
If it meant your nightmares end

I'll never stop feeling so deeply
Believe me when I say I've tried
Every fiber of me is stitched in love
An easy target, but you're welcome inside

© JL Smith

Give me your eyes
For they're desperately sought by mine
My mind's diseased
Like a plague set before the Red Sea--
Distraught, a catastrophe
And a heavy heart
Anchored absently
Set ablaze for the crowds who gather
To fan the flames
Fueling in contemptuous laughter
My spirit pirouetting wildly
A cyclone spinning violently
But its eye--calm by design
Give me yours
For they're desperately sought by mine

© JL Smith

Some who've witnessed death
Often fear seeing ghosts,
But if you pass before me,
Courageously, I'll hope it is I
You haunt the most...

© JL Smith

O, my heart!
With each pulse arrives ache
Not for thyself,
But my dear friend, far away

Before you told your tale--
I already knew
You see, it's captured in your eyes
And perceived through my view

Most have witnessed rock bottom,
But you sank deeper into its subterranean room
Don't fear, for I once visited
And believe I can guide you through

I know it hurts,
Sometimes so much your lungs forget to breathe
I've lived your anger,
Placing trust in the one breaking promises to me

But slowly and delicately
Your heart will reform
Stronger, yet softer
A little different than before

And when you feel desolate,
Absent of warmth
Listen to your inner voice reminding you
Times heals all wounds and transforms

© JL Smith

This is for those of you who
Sit with me in silence

Or for those of you who
See within me the courage of a lion

This is for those loved ones who
Feel pride observing my journey

And for those of you who
Extend a hand when my waters turn murky

This is for your loyalty
After everyone walks away

Or for your persistence
When I push, but you choose to stay

This is for those of you who
Lift my spirit and inspire laughter

And for those who
Answer my questions before I can ask them

I'm grateful for these moments
And your acceptance that I'm human

Yet, somehow you still believe I'm super
Maybe these boots and cape aren't an illusion

© JL Smith

Tempted,
The sky's first droplet
Kissed the back
Of my neck
At once,
I was reminded
Of your lips
Caressing my flesh

© JL Smith