I passed a mirror
not long ago.
It did not rouse the feelings
I had hoped to bestow

I caught a glimpse of myself
of my mother
and second mother
of my past lovers

fear filled my eyes and
I caught a glimpse of my father
and that poignant preacher
from childhood

at that, I looked upon (angry)
I saw my ruthless peers
from throughout the years
and passer by after passer by

I passed love, hope, and sadness, too
without skipping a beat

the things learned from this reflection:
Gaze.
Feel.
Repeat.

in god's nightmare
we're all peaceful,
happy, loving
but worship ourselves

Perhaps
without the devil's work
god would be forgotten

Your language
makes my neurons glow.

Cut off my scalp
and light up the room
(if it amuses you).

Passion
love;

foolish emotions.

Yet
hope lingers

Your aqua-encrusted diamond eyes
ignite the child-like thrill
of standing close to the edge
peeking down the abyss

afraid of reality
afraid of falling
afraid of making a move

seized in fear
I can only stand so close

no one knows what happens
when you slip and fall
no one has survived it

still tasting nicotine
(nothing like the stench
of addiction on the breath)
--nature's aphrodisiac

I writhe in the madness
of pleasure
of conjoining pain
from an unknown source

(known
yet pushed aside)

the breath in my ear
sends pangs
throughout the joints

while the pants
equal mine

now.
I understand.
completely.

You are
words never spoken
truths always held close to the mouth

You are
things left untouched
regrets

You are
independent
funny how we
have something in common