Each thing I do I rush through so I can do
something else. In such a way do the days pass—
a blend of stock car racing and the never
ending building of a gothic cathedral.
Through the windows of my speeding car, I see
all that I love falling away: books unread,
jokes untold, landscapes unvisited. And why?
What treasure do I expect in my future?
Rather it is the confusion of childhood
loping behind me, the chaos in the mind,
the failure chipping away at each success.
Glancing over my shoulder I see its shape
and so move forward, as someone in the woods
at night might hear the sound of approaching feet
and stop to listen; then, instead of silence
he hears some creature trying to be silent.
What else can he do but run? Rushing blindly
down the path, stumbling, struck in the face by sticks;
the other ever closer, yet not really
hurrying or out of breath, teasing its ****.

-Stephen Dobyns

Hopeless desires
in a daydream nation
of drunk stars
and messed up scars
on each neck and for wrist
aching by, each and every minute
within a corner, not walking
not talking, with starry eyes.

Rush
do not dawdle
into that working man's dream
fly by night to reach your destination
where the caress of steel melts like butter in your hands
the future
fly into 2112
where you bid farewell to kings and dragons
where all hemispheres are attainable
and waves are permanent
you will live and breathe moving pictures of art
your only signals will be your own
grace will not falter under pressure
there are no two way power windows
all is seen clearly and 'hold your fire'
is an ancient, unnecessary phrase
no magic potions
no presto
so, will you take the leap
roll the bones
and enter this new world where all beings
are your counterparts, not your enemy
no need to test for echo
no vapor trails
no feedback
leave these snakes and arrows behind
your clockwork angels await your arrival
Rush!

I tell myself that
I don't need the
Speed, or some
Rush that drags
Me discordantly

Soul twitches fast in
A morning rush for
Peaceful dreams,
Which I can’t even
Begin to pursue

She, he, won’t let
Me drift heartedly,
So weak that could
Perish if I sneeze
Or if I cough

There’s a shiver
That’s shouting at
Me so harshly and
Coldly but I will tell
It to please, go to bed

I took way too many pills tonight
And I'm driving way too fast
I'm drunk as **** and smoked too much
I'm just trying not to crash
This car is way too full
Of people and contraband
But the road is open and the night is young
So I'm gonna scorch the land

Motor head rush - My engines burning
Motor head rush - Wheels are turning
Motor head rush - Turbo mode engage
Motor head rush - this may be the day

I'm on way too many drugs right now
To be going a hundred miles
I didn't even realize until now
My passenger has me in her mouth
I'm just trying not to die
And take this car out with me
But if tonight should be our night
We go out in a blaze of glory

Motor head rush - My engines burning
Motor head rush - Wheels are turning
Motor head rush - Turbo mode engage
Motor head rush - this may be the day

If tonight should be our last
If this ride ends in disaster
I just want you all to know
How I love you so....

Motor head rush - My engines burning
Motor head rush - Wheels are turning
Motor head rush - Turbo mode engage
Motor head rush - this may be the day

This may be the day
That we die!

My Maypole mind unravels
reverses centrifugal force
its streamer shreds of ribbons
spinning backwards
in one grand and splendid rush.

Mind loosened and snapped
tatters
fluttering free
electric after-images
of me.


© M.L.Emmett

No time, no time.
Always time, always fine.
Cannot cannot.
Stop, it's not something that should be fought.
Can't stay can't stay.
Just a minute you won't be late.
No time, no time.
Be that way, fine.

Ice cold fingertips

breathing out clouds oxygen

winter morning rush

She exhaled, smoke floating from the lips that longed to be pressed against his. The taste of tobacco and chemicals lingered as she watched the cloud dissipate. She sighed and turned her attention to the trees swaying outside, naked with the exception of a thin layer of snow. The sun was finally falling out of view, painting the sky pink and purple on the horizon. She put the cigarette to her lips again, so routinely, as she has done for six years, and she waited. Anxiety grew within her, for the moon was not rising fast enough. She was anxious because she knew with each falling of the sun and rising of the moon, she was even just the slightest bit closer to holding the whole world in her arms again. Her eighteen year old body carried such an enormous weight because she was helpless. She spent every minute trying to rush the stars into shining in the night and the birds into chirping in the morning, to bring her closer to the most grand reunion. Meanwhile, all she could do was chainsmoke to pass the time.

I pierced my ear today.
        Emphasis on the I.
I bought supplies,
     took the needle,
     and pierced my skin.
Then cartilage and skin again.
Put the earring in and locked it up.
Cleaned up blood with watered down
          chemicals.
I pierced my ear today
                         to get a safer rush of pain.