Cigarettes filled
the void in our lungs
until we filled that place
with each other,
dependent on something
full of life
instead of something
that fills us with death

This town has depleted my soul
nearing the point of no return
The single remedy to redeem my spirit
is to escape what I've known for so long;
the people
the places
the persistent memories-
I'm reminded of every breath this town takes from me
Existence is monochromatic here
and I'm ready to see the spectrum,
to look through the kaleidoscope
and see what life is really like
in the new light my eyes will never forget
that this town tried to hide from me

I enjoy distance
Long drives with no destination
Music blaring,  miles growing

I enjoy distance
Long walks to nowhere
The peace calms my restless soul

I enjoy distance
Little steps each day
Away from difficult situations

I enjoy distance
Between people and places
And me

I enjoy distance
It gives perspective
Emancipation

I enjoy distance
I also enjoy coming home
When distance has run its course

All is well and all is good
at least I think it all should
but time comes and time goes
and leaves me feeling heavy woes

A forgotten memory, remembered
A lost moment, found

We think that we can all escape
but we merely mask our thoughts with drapes
No matter the reason or the rhyme
everything is exposed by Father Time

You said you know the tales of cities,
traveled through each, big and small,
You've roamed the streets, felt the rush
and acquired a taste for it all
But the one you've overseen the most,
the one with history in its veins,
riddled with ancient relics and goods,
has a tale you have not obtained
Your efforts to expose this minute metropolis
to the doors inside of your mind
have failed thus far in your journey
because you've locked the key inside

The clock strikes twelve, a new day has come
but this day is different because you are the one
who’s celebrated in all of today’s gushing glory;
a time to relish about your life’s beautiful story
that’s sculpted you into what you’ve become,
chiseled and molded your being into one
Twenty-seven years of labor in the making-
let’s praise such finery that life has been saving
So, the happiest of birthdays I wish to you
on this special day, through and through

My teeth fell out
Stress
My mind wandered to you
Anger
I lost someone close
Fear
I woke up
*Relief