When we're kids,
we see dinosaurs and dragons that make our imagination soar.
When we're teens,
we look at our peers differently than before.
And, as an adult, I find it harder to embrace any changes at all anymore.
I don't like the world I see. So tell me, what should I do?
First, know you're not alone.
Then take my hand, and together, we'll make it through.

Love Is Not Love
by Michael R. Burch

for Beth

Love is not love that never looked
within itself and questioned all,
curled up like a zygote in a ball,
throbbed, sobbed and shook.

(Or went on a binge at a nearby mall,
then would not cook.)

Love is not love that never winced,
then smiled, convinced
that soar’s the prerequisite of fall.

When all
its wounds and scars have been saline-rinsed,
where does Love find the wherewithal
to try again,
endeavor, when

all that it knows
is: O, because!

Published by The Neovictorian/Cochlea, The Deronda Review, Better Than Starbucks and Stremez (translated into Macedonian by Marija Girevska)

Keywords/Tags: Love, zygote, binge, mall, soar, fall, wounds, scars, tears, persistence, hope, fetal ball, sob, sobs, sobbing, shake, shaking, throb, throbbing, wince, wincing, smile, smiling, convinced, prerequisite, wherewithal, endeavor, just because

Above cliffs a condor soars.
Through its eyes I scan the world
My inner being in flight.

Chains of my own design
kept me from the divine.
Two good legs I was given
with wings to touch heaven,
but my mind made shackles
added weights to ankles.

With awesome wings I crawled,
so lost I forgot I’m called.
I added other’s chains
to bury my own pain,
but I wasn’t okay
mind gave heart no say.

Back to where I soared past
these distractions don’t last,
I wanted my freedom
struggle left me bleedin’;
even though I held the key
fear kept me from being free.

No way to cross the goal line,
forced to admit I’m not fine.
My past mistakes forgiven,
I gave myself permission
to let the chains unravel,
so I prepare to travel.

My progress no longer stalled
I remember that I am called.
Chains given to the one who reigns,
who was with me in the pain,
so I take it day by day
my mind is given less sway.

Where I belong at long last,
my resolve is now steadfast.
I am free in the kingdom
to remember mom’s wisdom,
don’t worry I can be carefree
fear can’t keep me. I am free

I can soar on Eagle’s wings
And see the wider view it brings
My heart in happy triumph sings
As I prosper daily

I can see with keener eye
From my vantage point on high
I can bid my doubts goodbye
As I prosper daily

I can answer freedom's call
And with my acts give help to all
No true harm can my way fall
As I prosper daily

Soar above your pains by coddling them.
Rise above your wounds by embracing them.
Ascend above your sorrows by accepting them!

Intertwine them, hold tight to their emotional charge,
Convert them to positive energy, and
Make them a part of your prayer temple!

Your wound is the place
Where flowers will blossom
With a rainbow of spring colors!

Your pain is the place
Where your cure will emerge
with the birth of a new dawn and renewed purpose!

Your sorrow is the place
Where joy will bud
With a life full of hope and optimism!

Hussein Dekmak