i felt the great lake in the summer time
i swam beneath her depths
her currents rushed beneath my feet
the upwelling water refreshed.
i knew the great lake in the winter time
i walked across frozen waves
i saw her ice and destruction
her chill took all i gave.
i never met her in October
when her shores were cooling down
the west winds glazed over her churning surface
surrounded by orange, then red, then brown.
the world around her was dying
but she was coming alive
excitedly, she slammed the pier
warning all to step aside.
sand whipped across the naked beach
but now my body was not bare
i was protected by an autumn sweater
and i learned from the springtime wear.
we rode our bikes through forest dunes
the sun snuck through the departing leaves
the last remnants of summertime fell to the ground
air whistled through the trees.
nothing can last forever
no matter how sweet, how pure, how true
there is a time when it ends and falls to the ground
and waits to become anew.
the lake must let go of her summer guests
and spend the winter alone
the trees must release what holds them down
and with freedom they may grow.
i sit here holding onto something i loved
even though it is no more.
my fingers still gripping onto the strings of the past
like waves afraid to leave the familiar shore.
maybe i can learn from the autumn lake
maybe i can be like the trees
maybe i can release what holds me down
and step out into the chilling breeze.
it scared me once to be alone
to face the world with no one by my side
but when i let the cold air hit my face
i felt a tingling sense of pride.
we cannot fear what we do not know
we cannot live if we do not let go
a seed is afraid to fall on the frozen ground
but in the springtime, she will grow.

He was kind–
Just like you.
When you looked into his eyes
You just knew.
He always put others
Above himself.
Lots of things about him
Are just like yourself.
He was good–
I wouldn’t kid.
He would’ve died for his crew,
And he did.
You remind me of him;
You’re both kind-hearted men.
When I look in your eyes
It’s like he’s looking back into mine.
I’m reminded of him
Every time you say a word.
You sound just like him–
Every adjective and verb.
Yes, you remind me of him.
That’s the best compliment I could give.
Captain, you remind me of my Captain.

We started as friends,
Both damaged from our pasts.
You made mistakes that hurt you,
I was convinced that nothing ever lasts.

The adventure began,
From friends to lovers.
It’s like playing in the sand,
But instead we play under covers.

Our storms are fierce,
But we don’t go for shelter.
We stay throughout the weather,
And never let our love welter.

You dive into my waters,
And I wince with every touch,
For how is there love-
Without a little lust?

Our love is like a beach,
And all the boys want to play-
But they’ll never get the chance,
Because I will never go astray.

Till death do us part-
I will never leave your side.
You have my heart forever,
No matter the waves tide.

he touched me like i was fragile piece of glass
held me in his arms as if i would shatter if he let go
kissed my forehead so gentle it was as if his lips weren't even there
wiped away my tears like they were made of vapor
and spoke like he was telling me the most important secret in the whole world
"I love you"

You meet people for a reason,
And those reasons cannot be explained.
But sometimes you have to learn a lesson twice,
Before it can be claimed.
You were two different people,
And walked into my life at two different times.
I believed you both were sincere,
But you committed the same crimes.
My heart wasn’t yours to break,
And my trust wasn’t yours to take.
You thought I wouldn’t know,
But you’re blind to your mistakes.
You both came into my life,
To teach me when it’s too much.
You saw me as an option,
I guess it’s just bad luck.
It’s my turn to break your heart,
And show you my true strength.
I may have stayed the first time,
But now it’s not the same.
You meet people for a reason,
And those reasons cannot be explained.
But both of you taught me self-worth,
And I will no longer live in pain.

Don’t tell me pretty lies,
With that look on your face,
Because although you are beautiful
The ugly never fades.
There’s beauty in your eyes,
And there’s strength that’s in your arms,
But your heart is so hideous,
It tears us apart.
Don’t tell me pretty lies,
Like what you feel is real,
The truth is you don’t love me,
My heart wasn’t yours to steal.

The fire in your heart,
Burns an eternal flame.
Some are scared of getting burned,
But to me it’s all the same.
You are scared to love,
Because it’s impossible to tame.
Your fire is eternal,
So engulf me in your flame.

It has been four
whole months
since you’ve left,
your jacket
still hangs in my closet
and you still have a
draw full your stuff in
my dresser.

We never celebrated
valentines day - yet
I still think of you
and our misfortunes -
of our three year path
that lead to
heartbreak.

Often I break down
I sit on my
knees and pray
that you never meant
the things you said -
I keep your number
saved in my phone
with hearts and x’s and o’s
just in case you call me

which, you have
when you’re drunk or high
when you’re trying to remember
why you hate me -
why my world crumbles
when you’re around
I can’t see straight or
hear the words coming out your mouth
everything you do
for better or for worse
just sounds to me like
you saying

“i love you”