When I got to my first English class in college
the professor asked us
how would you describe yourself?
there were some pretty responses
I'm a leaf floating down stream
I'm a tree slowly growing
I'm a bird leaving the nest
It was my turn
A boulder,
huh?
please elaborate,
Well teach, it's like this
I'm not alive in the same sense as the others
I don't grow or change on my own accord
no I sit still
silent
immovable
stubborn
I take in what goes on around me
since the beginning of time
until the end of time
time means nothing to a boulder
My cracks are representations
of the choices and actions of those around me
and I'm still sitting still
long after they have passed
stationary,
but don't try to move me,
because once I get going
I only get harder to stop
So that's me
a cold boulder
only capable of what
the world around me permits

for Denim McLein

The car had jumped the curb at speed,
it was gray and dull and 2 foot high.

On Thursday, 12 men with guns on their thighs
took notes and talked and looked around and choked.

Tears fell from 24 eyes on Friday at the station,
for a 3 year old was mowed down in a moment
of miscalculation.

The 18:45 four-door sedan has blood
on its hands.

What you think would happen?
Rise up from somethin'? Make a name.
I'm sorry your expectations make you a fool.
Write a haiku that gets you nowhere.
Dare to be? Open your eyes.
Now you see.

Rhyme game comes to an end.
The grey gets dingy and the breathing becomes short.
Still expecting but not so much.
Clinging only makes you seem that much less.
Oh well. Its only life.
I only wish time was on my side.

Because even though we said forever
It feels impossible to be loved
By a woman 6 ft under