You promised me the world,
Then left to go find your own.

The toy monkey and the big furry teddy
Your little legs and tiny toes
Mosaic floors and the walls beside
Basket ball rings and the boy inside
These are a few of the things that you clicked

Sparkling eyes and a perfect nose
Multiple selfies and momma says cheese
The blue tricycle and big building blocks
Grandma and grandpa are also on the list
These are a few of the things that you clicked

You want to make a picture of everything you see
But there's no roll, no lens, no shutter, no flash
It's just a toy cam
But the smile on your face brings everything to life

Startled!
You were sleep talking
I wrap my arms around you
The fan spins above us
The sun is peeking from behind the curtains
Chirping birds welcome the evening
A passing car honks
But my warmth comforts you
I lay a silent kiss on you
Whew!
You are sleeping again
My little busy bee gets some more rest

I have ideas that never seem to stick
Like a spark that falters on a half-lit wick
I think “Eureka! Wow, I've done it again!”
But when I mold my thought-child that’s exactly when
I get booted off for no ticket on this train of thought
And the project derails into an old vacant lot
That lot is a notebook at the foot of my bed
It’s labeled “ideas” but it should read “drop dead”
My ideas are all just orphaned on paper
Their father held interest, but started to taper
“I’ll get to it sometime!” but no clock reads “some”
I just like the feeling of ideas under thumb
Is it arrogance? I hope not, just a stream of dumb luck
Or maybe I’m just afraid of being told that I ****

The flickering light of the lantern’s flame
lays lightly upon the lingering stream.
I do not know where the water leads,
but I’ll drink my fill till the aches subside.
The moss grows rampant among the trees
in this mighty forest that eyes have forgot.
And still I sit, watching it grow
until the words in the songs of birds grow clear.
The heartbeat of the soil slowly churns
beneath my bunions and well-traversed heels.
The sky won’t fall, so I have time to wait.
Just like the ferry, tethered to the old dying walnut.

I want to take a road trip
Alone with my music.
And go to every beautiful place
In the world.
I want to see stars in North Dakota
I want to swim in Oregon
I want to get a sunburn in Arizona
I want to listen to music
Experience the gift of the earth
And be whole.