That bumper sticker
is only two lines away
from found poetry

Rosa Isabelle is a splendid sixpence,
Shining silver, bright and smooth,
Rosa reflects love, joy and the pride
Felt by family between budding and bloom

Parenting is a statement
of belief
in our future
in our potential
in our intent
to grow
and to change.

Parenting is a statement
of faith.

You glance up once again
from the rediscovered photo,
sellotape stained and saved
for this future finding.

You hold me yet again in
the honesty of your peaceful smile,
in that shared perfect moment
catching us all unaware.

But that was just before our fall
into confusion, into the fog
that suddenly enveloped you
and robbed us all completely.

But now you return to mind
and I can return your smile
once again.

When fighting your monsters
- watch yourself
less you become monstrous.

When fighting your monsters
- watch yourself
and arm yourself with virtue.

When fighting your monsters
- watch yourself
and shield your deep innocence.

When fighting your monsters
(and you must fight your monsters
no matter the depth of the abyss)
- watch yourself
and let your true self stand.

Little lies.
Purposeless perhaps.
Arguably, with little effect,
but nevertheless, flowing
off the tongue and keypad
with little thought.
Born of habit.
Born of a child's need
to be on the front foot.

Little lies,
building up into a facade
behind which I hide
my ineptitude.

I wanna that moment of rhythm in an embrace.

I wanna those few steps across the floor
in the arms of someone who loves me,
accepts me, doesn’t want to change me,
can’t wait to see me, and see me grow,
hear me sing and laugh and dance,
someone to join my song,
someone to follow and lead me
across the uncharted floor into hope
and the joy that’s found by two hands
clasped in the dance.

I wanna that.