you don't exist when
my eyes are open
you don't exist when
my blood's not poisoned
when my soul's at peace
when my gut is full
and when I'm in company

So you exist most of the time
dear muse

as a kid
there's nothing
like wasting away inside a tiny
room
sitting on the backrest
of the couch
looking out the window
and seeing her
tread through the rain

a red umbrella covers
her.

Mother

she's going back
to the liquor store

you burn me.

and it isn’t anyone’s
fault but mine.

i gave you the match
in the first place.

She’s like a band-aid
call her when you are hurt
keep her close
she will make you feel better
take care of you
follow you anywhere you go
she will be by your side

Until the day
you are healed
no longer in need of her
rip her off and throw her away
like she was nothing more
than a band-aid

They will tell you
All poetry has been written
There is nothing new
Under the moon
But let me tell you
They don’t know you
You are as unique
As the DNA that exists
Within your frame
The ripples on your thumbprint
No one ever had the same.

Listen...

You have something to say
Say it proudly
Say it boldly
Never let them scold you.

Never let them make you go away.