I've become a great
expert in karate , thanks
to those pesky gnats

May I ask you a favor?
Join me for a walk
I won't steal too much time
Or demand you to talk

I'll lead if you follow
Just don't question my aim
Mysteries concealed within
Consist of heartache and pain

These streets buzz loudly,
But your presence bears peace
We're almost there, I promise
Around this corner, a few more feet

Enter this doorway
We're taking the stairs
I forgot to mention, you needed sneakers
A comfortable pair

Too late, up we go
Breath is heavy at the top
Your heart pulsing, a little frustrated
A dead end as we stop

I unlatch the bolt
And we walk through the door
Onto a roof under the night sky
Stars lighting our dance floor

You sing and I twirl
As we draw closer to the ledge
Peeking over onto the city
Down below, a world outstretched

And out of nowhere, it happens
I scream into the air
You stare at me baffled,
But I've released all worry and care

I glance at you and smile
You laugh and shake your head
Then climb onto the rim
And yell until your face turns red

That's all I wanted
It's what we need
To take a stroll, scream a little
Spend life in good company

© JL Smith

I departed the city
To tally the stars,
But my thoughts of you
Lifted me among them
Between the moon and Mars

© JL Smith

It's not you, I whisper to myself,
The smile, the eyes, the hair.
This digitally rendered face, mocks me, smiling.
Locked in a perpetual state of happiness.
It can't be you, because I don't know who you are.
Not anymore at least.
Yet it is too late, you have already left your mark,
Burning in my memory, seared into my soul,
Like a farmer branding his cattle.
You are now but a painful reminder,
That my happiness does not belong to me,
But belonged with you, stuck with your memory.

Soluble vagrant,
See acanthous eruptions,
Whilst travelling earth.