she wore hightops
and a tattered
old book bag.
and she liked
to tie
her red converse
to it's straps.
and walk
across
the fire escape.

the metal
beneath
her socked feet
was cool
and x-ed
and black.

she ran,
and she laughed
or she ran
and she cried
but she ran
and she ran
for it was all
she could do.

I bought a bag, today
it is rectangular
I had forgotten about
the time you made fun of them,
and as I checked out,
I remembered.

I cried.

she looks like you.

I have made the night mine,
no longer asking,
"May I accompany you?"
Instead, inquiring
"Would you like to accompany me?"
I have made the forests mine,
no longer requesting
"May I show you this place?"
Instead, fielding
"Will you show me this place?"
I have made the mountains mine,
no longer begging
"When shall we go?"
Instead,
Filling my calendar,
Filling my backpack,
Filling my heart
with what is mine
And going.

I just want to delicately cull my favorite blossoms from your mind
Until I've traveled the neural networks so,
That you might later allow my feral traipsing.
I just want to throw our backpacks in the backseat
And take a careless adventure
Wild. Jovial. Unbridled.
I just want to take you out from this fencing
To see you in new surroundings once more
To abandon labels, structure, and facades.
I just want to admire your strengths and your work
That you have shaped with your hands,
your will,
your individual cut.
I just want to take you out
To the open road
To see what you would shout,
how reckless you would be,
what abandon you could inspire in me.
I just want to do human things with you.
I want to enjoy pure moments of our nature.
I want to feel the Earth move with you.

This is fine, for me at least
Nothing can harm me, I'm stable by the table seat
And life goes on, stories be told
Whatever happens we'll grow old
I hope

Here's a crazy thought,
An answer none of us would have sought
It's strange, you always saw so little of me
I didn't feel as well, so worthy

But hopefully, I'll be strong for you
See, you'll arrive and depart, I wish, with me there too
Because choices you have, that will always be plenty
I'll have your whole life, as much as I can carry

I don't care, it will be a little clingy
But let me know, I'll fall where you want me
Just know I'll gather winds and rains
And sweets and pains, with you i'll remain

On the mountain lay me for awhile
I'll be heavy, but I'll be with you for miles
On a boat out at sea, go diving without me
When you return, I'll be the same, still happily

Of course, life will be lighter without weight on your shoulders
But I swear I'll keep up and even make you better
Don't forget me, cuts and tears and all
We'll brave the summer, winter, spring, fall

You're a nomad when all's been said at least
And adventure stokes the fire while keeping your peace
I'll be whatever you need, my cup is yours to fill
And even when you toss me aside, I'll cry, but still be at your will

Because your shoulder's my sunrise
The sunset, and the moon and sun
I'll protect your back from dangers and promises undone
At the end of the day, I'll lay waiting till you wake
For another hour, year, or decade,
I promise I will stay

Before the dawn's display
Before the rooster calls
And horses neigh
Hot coffee on my breath
Wearing an old hat
that's old as death
I set out in silence
Into the dark
Full of grit/pure providence

Wearing a backpack
Full of life

I cross the faceless row
Feel empty blackness as it weeps
Dark moon has the sun in tow
As the cold icy air
catches on my lungs
Freezing my nasal hair

The frost makes step unsure
I cross the boardwalk
The distance is my lure
I came prepared
I came to my senses
I feel freedom in the cold freezing air

Wearing a backpack
Full of life