I'm the ripples in the water that fight the current
created by the forces from above and below.
I wrinkle the surface and add dimension.
Would you see me, if I wasn't mentioned?

I'm the splashes caused by a heron diving for fish
and missing its prey by mere inches.
My waves of frustration can be felt by all.
Would you see me, if you heard the Heron's call?

I'm the droplets shaken from a doe's wet pelt
that splatter on the surface, broken by her hooves.
I'm water that fell as silver, but was picked up as blue.
Would you see me if you had to?

I'm the flowing motion of rivers and streams.
I'm the dark water of your dreadful dreams.
I'm the rain that showers land and sea.
I'm the tears that form when we are set free.

And if you see me in the water,
would you come and join me?

If you fear change then you must fear the dawning of spring after the dulling chill of winter; if you fear opportunity you must avoid the dappled shade of a linden avenue on a summer’s day or refuse a sip of cool spring water from the earth when you are parched; if you fear difference you must dread the stillness of the resting twilight after the uproar of the day. For in fear there is no certainty but fear itself.

Deodorant, shorts, socks
Sit quietly in a box
Just in case.




-LH

If I could reach out…
If I could grab your face.

If I could tense long-limp
muscles, fused to my sides.
If only I could pull my arm
away from the chains that bind me...

If I could be free where would I go?
no family, no home.
If I could reshape my life,
who would I mold myself to be?

A world built of the word “if.”
If only I could change that...

Your profile doesn’t have a picture but you have been good conversation
Working retail has reinforced the mindset that people are snowflakes in all shapes and sizes
This doesn’t help me, I literally have no idea what you could look like
Or if you are even a person
What if I’m chatting with a scientifically enhanced hamster
If some Lovecraftian being is mingling with me through the cosmos
I asked for a pic 5 minutes ago and the outlandish ideas above have humored me until you replied
Do I read it and force the universe to give me an answer
Do I delete this whole app and live my life never knowing for certain
What if you say no
Then it must be some tentacled being wishing to unravel my very being
If only they knew that if left to my own devices I’ll do that on my own
I got the pic and now as predicted I unravel myself
Why would you like me
Why would you think I’m cute
How in the world would you find me worthwhile
You have a college hoodie on and it only serves to remind me that I am still in my rut no matter how good things have been going recently
You are the breath of spring and the other shoe at the same time
I guess I’ll keep typing, I’m glad at least the void has a face now