A MOMENTS PEACE

it seemed  to have rained forever, unable to concentrate
I paced back and forth, never without a moments peace
in that constant rat tat tat, that seemed to go on forever
never stopping until-finally this morning, as I
glimpsed the sun, I opened up the window, let the air in
from my vantage, up here, I can see everywhere
as I spy upon the people, who constantly walk below
I see how they go, in their never-ending blend of neutral color
one long continuous line of ants they walk with a precision skill
going to and fro-so the question becomes- who is better off-
as I write for a living, hand to mouth or they; earning a decent living wage
-each day, we cope, go about it, on our own; we both turn a page



By Michael Perry

HALLOWED GROUND

with only the stillness
to guide me, through the encrusted paths
that were crisscrossed by the years
and the few who made this trek before
they all came, as I have now, to
seek the solace of the lumbering pine
and the secrets they held within

as the early sun cut through
it would lead me further on to find
a cathedral within the woods, once I came upon
it, there were no words to explain, how I felt, it took
my breathe away, I was overcome with emotion as if
being taken over, I could only imagine, what others
might have felt  as they too would have reflected on
what they had seen, if only to accept the majesty of
age and repose, for in -these years it took to create
what laid before, and for those seeking to find, this
was a place of hallowed ground

by Michael Perry

SHE BELIEVED

She believed in the sun and the rain
in order for every day moments to be made
she was stronger than I, left to place blame

we sat together, as she spoke up animated
out of this one conversation, she held my hand
out of her pain, she was stead fast-in order to placate me

on this day, she spoke in a voice loud and clear
giving from the heart, I cried while listening
to the detail of her interrupted dreams, her fears

It's been awhile now, as I speak her name, out loud
in this very moment- she suddenly crossed my mind
as the sun finally came out, while stubbornly hidden by the clouds

by Michael Perry

TO COME THIS CLOSE

who, by god
help us-what
have we
done
to ourselves
when- we did it-to us
-with backs were turned- where to
now,  as we run-to see the light
give in,  our take away
or stay put-
so why
should it matter, still
it does
can't you see-how
right now, if one
we all, act
get ready to do it- open your eyes
realize-to come this close
it's yours, my life-left to live-
if not hands up, no not yet
no never, or collapse under the weight
give it away, take it back, will we
should we, or surrender, in spite of it
all-to see through, for what end
too tired, we fight through, continue to
get hit and back up from - all the distractions
that seem to come here, there, every where  
at us -as we endure, disseminate, it all in, our own way

by Michael Perry

COME AWAY WITH ME

when I first saw your face
I was ready to believe, you were heaven sent
standing in front of me, God you were so beautiful

I knew, I would follow my heart
and if you followed yours
so let me sweep you off your feet, time and again
come away with me, come away with me, my darling here and now

with a love so close, I can touch it
I know you can too, with no time for indecision
the waves rush over, time and again, as we catch our breath

for this love is pure, has a strength of purpose
-a singular desire, our stars have crossed loves path  
let us keep the bonds of love alive, to feel the fire
come away with me, come away with me, my darling- forever and always  

By Michael Perry

DISPARITY

such a picture perfect
with windows, small house, garden
on a hill, blue sky, green grass

plenty of open spaces
acres of land, fish in a nearby stream
room to grow, fresh air, the stars at night

displayed on a rack with other magazines
has a price tag unknown
out of reach for many, except the very few

by Michael Perry

WHAT OF LOVE

what of love
let this be our distraction, as we willingly
give sway-to the heart, of it, playing a part

what of love
a source having claim will, with no objections to-who knew
we have only ourselves to blame

what of love
being bigger than us both, to speak it- we dare not
without having to compare, there are no words that come close

By Michael Perry

FAMILY

we come
together
maybe, once, twice, as a family
knowing blood is thicker than water
we tell ourselves, until the moment
someone slips, saying the wrong thing
then it happens, all hell breaks loose
the fists will fly, making like sticks and stones
and no surprise, there will be broken bones

by Michael Perry

NINETEEN SIXTY THREE

she brushes her hair
stares into the mirror
stroking, 98, 99, 100
doing it every night, like religion
believes in the power, she wields
her feminine mystique explored
without it, she is a woman flawed

by Michael Perry

AMOUR

give to me
your body, I love you
let me
explore, be transported
into the one promise, we will share
within these moments
to discover,  uncover-**** for, begging
the meaning of love
my fascination-to, you, I, painstaking-ache
to be in love
a prayer-answered
you, I as one
let this be our sanctuary
shelter from, together, be forever
we live, love, take from each other
spontaneous, closer, overcome, between
above, the exalted, by light, in the dark
our love, so- we- become- this-for us
intense with body and soul-declared, we are
light as air, infinite this- we, made-ageless

By Michael Perry

RABBIT HOLE

befuddled, and far back-
-memory slows
left to be-abandoned-
-the day erodes
when sleep does not come-
-as the feeling to
fall, fall, going-
-down the rabbit hole
till i come to, i -
-think, i think i am
in one piece-or does the-
-mind plays tricks, with my head
-real or not- am i ready to
see the truth, live it or die trying-

by Michael Perry

DAYS ARE

days are
fleeting
one page at a time
they fly
try to catch them
or not, who are we to say
when we
have no control-of where
or how they go
one after the other
left to future's rearranging
of their importance-by date
logged into history's book
where they will remain-
left to others
to agree or not, worthy or infamy

By Michael Perry

CRAZY MAN

I am a crazy man
one who lives to take risks
with each turn, every time
building like a drug, fills me up
to make the adrenalin grow
keep me high, be so powerful
I am able to leap tall buildings
in my reckless abandon, I own my
destiny, for whatever it takes
I can beat you, this-every time
to feel ten feet tall-still, make no
mistake, there is no substitute
until mortality- stares you in the face

By Michael Perry

WILD FLOWERS

of the elements
seen and unseen
the wild flowers grow
as colorful pinpoints-up through cracks in
the pavement, against a mottled gray
backdrop, where did
they come from
who knows, who cares- just relish
in the fact, in the midst of a blight, reminds one
of a Jackson Pollack canvas-
taking shape, ready to breathe life

By Michael Perry

ANTITHESIS

moon
readies
into place, to reign each night  
overseeing, shadows-and light; a days antithesis
of what was- a cycle in contrast, gone for now
I realize, I am
standing still
looking up- what for?
I prefer light over dark, but
for whatever reason, I am drawn to the juxtaposition, mesmerized

by Michael Perry

ALBATROSS

out to sea, just you- far out beyond the sky
drawn by the sight lines -of the horizon
in it's unending demarcation, latitudinal and
longitudinal points of interest-- where there
is life, sun, clouds and the occasional rain, when
you took a wrong turn, to bring you further out
-a situation, you hadn't counted on- you search daily
- looking for-something-anything, signs of life
in your momentary delirium-you start having  actual
life conversations with the only solitary animal for
miles around; an albatross- who has made his temporary
port of call- on your boats- starboard side- where each day
he regales you  with stories of his travels, places you will never see
he hopes to keep your spirits up just in case- but until then, it doesn't
matter to the bird for each time he looks at you , in apparent disdain
he will remind- in his scared straight speech -Morgan Freeman  voice
why didn't you have a backup plan just in case- for a situation like this
and then you both laugh at the absurdity of it all-to have
conversations with a talking bird, and a man lost at sea

By Michael Perry

untitled (for you know who)  09082020

thought i  knew of love-or just
the mention of the word- what
does it mean- truly deep down-back then
I had no idea, until I met you- the love of my life-
you-who has evoked so many feelings; inside my head-body, soul
having taken our vows- to understand-you are God's gift to me
you are the love that makes me so high -ready to touch the sky
I would name a star just for you-nothing will ever feel the same
all because of you, I would  sacrifice my life- simply, for
the ground you dare to walk upon-I have been blessed
-me for you, so with the on- coming years- ready for us to look
ahead- know with each day that passes- my heart still beats
and my pulse quickens faster, even after all these years, it will always happen- each and every time you walk into the room

by Michael Perry

OBSESSED

what is it, tell me, as you twist and squirm
on the couch next to me agitated, or something
so tell me-this is not you-as you get up; and i
try to move in closer, and you cross the room
to the fireplace, to stir the dying flame, poking it
and in an instant what should have come alive; died
you are still standing, half in shadow, clearly fussing
and momentarily, i forgot where i was,  in that time
you moved further away, i find it hard to take a breath
you did not notice;  i know whats coming- as i see it
in your eyes; betrayal- giving you away, i feel nothing
i stand up to freshen my drink, stare into the mirror
on the wall, i don't turn back, i walk out of the room
i am like a stone, cold, un-moving not giving you the
benefit to explain- i am no longer obsessed with love

by Michael Perry

ODE TO A WOMAN AS A GLASS FIGURINE

you were made so very fragile
perfection down to the detail in every way
the reason why, you were made collectible
to pique my interest- add you to my
collection; one of a kind's, to admire you
from an arms length-  until one day, I
felt the need to bring you down for
a better look-I should have known better
that's when it happened; I became distracted
momentarily; but it was enough, for you
to slip through my fingers and crash onto
the kitchen floor, shattering into a million little
pieces, jagged, made un-recognizable; and
there I was - on my knees, about ready to cry-the
realization setting in, you were gone , I- unable to
make you better, to put you back- to make you whole

by Michael Perry

THE PLEASURE OF

the pleasure
of your mind
we are in good company
just two of a kind
alike, alike, this camaraderie
we share
has brought us closer than
anything else-mind over matter
words as knowledge-
so there-spread the word
up to you-draw
your own conclusions

by Michael Perry

WORDS

there is something more
out there- we lack still-where did it go
harder to find-
we will never get it right- unless we treat words with respect

WORDS
when spoken, they matter- so say it with empathy
touch a mind- make it soar, make it think, tug a heart string
mean what you say, don't bend or twist- to suit yourself

WORDS
when written are meant with the heart's desire-  gives you a chance
to explore, your romantic side- or said with boldness, take a stand
show strength-one man's bond unbreakable to the other- to be believed

WORDS
used as iconic adornment on walls, or a building's face are for one and all
as the author asks us to live tall, dream big, to aspire for something more
words on monuments are meant to inspire, to make us bigger -then we are

by Michael Perry

MY LOVE MY LOVE

my love, my love
we come together
two as one- you, I, rain or sun
we are weathered, little worn
for better for worse, my love
we have endured
in this life, you and I
my love, my love, my love
for this and that or anything else
of any matter, we have been together and back
we will love , we will love we will
always
love
each other
until
the end of our time

by Michael Perry

STORM BREWING

from the window
the sky turns-from blue to
black- could be a storm brewing
you can feel it, thick and moist
while the winds pick-up-ready
to blow air-as if
being ****** through a straw
then, bolts of light
ignite the night, taking center stage
soon the rains cut through
like a buzz saw, pelting for hours
on end- until you feel like
your going to go mad-as
the eye of this monster crosses overhead
your feeling blessed, cut a break, all is quiet
deathly so- your afraid to move
wanting to take a long held breath, it's over
until the rains come ; harder and
the commotion begins again-even stronger
showing mother nature's -nastier side

by Michael Perry

HEAVEN BOUND

in what feels
like a way station
for the people-of ethereal
to move about;  a difference of realities
they mill around to
take their turn-there
is no pushing, everyone
gets in line, fully cooperates
coming from everywhere
all walks of life
white, black, yellow, brown, red
filling up all the space
they smile, or
give a pat on the back
reassuring; to usher each other through
to the waiting gate; young and the old
gathering together ready
to make their way, destined to
board the crosstown bus, be heaven bound

by Michael Perry

STRUCK DUMB

i am   struck dumb
at a loss       for any words
first time in my life -   nothing comes
my mouth is silent-   as my eyes
keep recording - reacting to  it all                                                  
-horrified -  at the audacity, of what I see-  
playing out - in real time-one hot mess
each day and night- can't get it out of  my mind
                    
                        I can only think:

what the f**k have we done to ourselves and our posterity

- it all seems like a bad dream- from which
any normal person would hope to wake from-
and yet we sleep on, walk through- I am dumbstruck-
wondering how we ever got here - wanting
more then ever to quickly move on-and still we stand
ignoring the facts- that are staring at us straight on
                   so as matters keep going south-
                                
                                    i hereby testify:        
                  
   to future generations- heed our stupidity
   and reconcile - what is coming your way-   I apologize
to you for every adult living now, I  can only hope
you are able to forgive, if it was me- I
would sign off with my *******; but I know you
won't do that-I wouldn't blame you if you did though- instead
I know you will roll up your sleeves, ready to take
matters into your own hands and fix everything-    we could not!

By Michael Perry

SHOOK

thought it strange
out of the ordinary, not here
as I walked, feeling unease
my bones given to an unnatural chill
on this hot summer night-walking
my pace, under foot, breaking leaves and sticks
heading back , only to turn, over my shoulder
what? maybe, once, twice,  just to
calm my nerves, why so paranoid- thought
I was fearless, except for tonight-why the change
as my level of concern grew, I cannot put
a finger on it-yet my heart quickened, first
a little, then a lot, for the first time in my life
with my age over matter, a possible concern, I
truly felt- helpless, moreover a little shook

by Michael Perry

ANOTHER TIME

wish it was-but it's not, so why not, just stop talking
can't we- how about-turn back time, come on, be real
while we wait for a glimpse of it; of something better-huh
a quality of life, a little sum, sum, more, half of a wish-
to hold out hope, how about today- is it a waste, to
think, maybe, just maybe, no, not now, come on, stop
your a downer, I'm a realist- so when then-soon? -no
it's none of those- why, not just another time; a pipe dream
of what could be- , so we wait, - still  we wait, waiting for what?
this here - right now, nothing feels good, as we stand toe to toe
there's no anticipation, we get in line; suffer through, with the rest
for we are the miserables- the in-betweens of what-when, u care?
maybe, another time- could be, whatever you say- I am not like u
half glass full, not me-I am empty, I got nothing more- so we
walk, continuing, heads down- hunkering against; while, the guy
next to me nudges; he asks almost embarrassed, not quite, can you
spare me a dollar for a cup of McDonald's coffee? I tell him, sure, I've
had my share of anger fueled caffeine for the day-i am trodden, fed up

By Michael Perry

LOVE IN THE TIME OF A PANDEMIC

there was a time-out of a not so distant past
where one simple act, currently abandoned
lies anonymous, still then, once a pleasantry
to each other, now;  this feeling  lost, to us
an act of kindness, we all once apportioned
with each other- a common emotional binding
one to the other, between us; a piece of humanity

-and he reaches for her hand warmly, to squeeze
she slightly; is startled, unprepared, not expecting
from his touch-their contact of skin on skin, once
thought harmless; a common joy, made to  give a
measure of reassurance-now shunned; still-she
reacts back, to his comforting act of kindness, they
now share- with this one gesture, his compliment
to her, with science put aside;  for the good of mankind
they continue holding hands; they both smile- testing
the current train of thought- all for loves sake- accept this or not
as reality-sets in; will it be the start of a keening sense of loss
-to all  other simple acts- this common sense of dignity, we shared
now suffer through;  for how long? - through no fault of our own

by Michael Perry

ME

as the sun sets
it brings on another night-
where one half the world is a sleep
still a third, have one eye open
then there are a few
who just wonder why, mostly aloud
to themselves, no one else around
then there' s me
hoping and praying, both my eyes pried wide
unable to close them, to the hours they trickle down
then as I watch the sun ready to rise
up behind some cloud cover, to bring on
a brand new day-I will do my part, tired
unprepared, to welcome it -with weightless, open arms  

by Michael Perry

THE BOYS

boys own this town, as they gather here, use their measured steps
meet at the corner, they own it--hot shots-looking around, ready to
keep their circle tight- tip top-from the looks; up to no good-

in the middle of the day, on a hot summer afternoon
with the agitation level at fever pitch, u don't breathe
for no matter, you can feel it, air, thick, like gun metal grease
the passersby, keep their heads down, walk on, click clack, run

if someone does decide to make a play- will they be prepared?
may be,or not -  give them a reason, just because, it will be quick-
watch- one itchy -trigger fingers it, lovingly-stock still, say the word
- the boys are ferocious- ready, prowling up, down, on the make

eyes are watching, up in their blood adrenalin pumped- fear them
zip zap, narcissistic concrete kings- looking for a fight don't even think
if you do blink- ****** on a zigzag -paranoid-deer in the headlights look
mindful, of the silence; ready set,punt- like a deadly-riff raff; game play

if anyone wants to try- u face an arsenal, of full armed-boys, trigger happy
you have been warned, runners will take on all comers; never the boys fault
they stake claim, come fully stacked-racked- making streets on this side of town

- so if you dare- be a pop, pop, bang- bang-hotshot, u be flippant stare down
the barrel of a gun-piece of cold metal steel, hot tempered, say your prayers- quick-
for if you -  made that fatal mistake-no u-turn, when you go cross their piece of turf

by Michael Perry

LIFE CYCLE: A SERIES OF OBSERVATIONS

I.
like a river majestic, not settling, unnerved, tracking the tranquil
it goes without saying-tantamount- a truly living thing, as it
flows gathering speed, -of gaining prescient, a mind of its own
all the  momentum; that is time and chance-   waiting to seethe
in grief or the relief to be set free, running hot or cold to the touch  
with ego unparalleled, misused forethought, giver or taker of life  

II.
simply from this ones; aged hand clasped, we watch to see as
the lay of the land-a road map of veins, is rubbed sore, clearly
they trace- while even stiffer fingers try to fumble with a rosary
laced, between a thumb and forefinger gingerly placed, and the  
silent lips mumble words of prayer, a devotion that speaks
louder than any saint or sinner cares to profess ones own beliefs

III.
Through out a summer's  body of work ; a live concert
a showcase of songs played out in the key of life , if you
listen close whether night or morning, surely a symphony
of  delight, there to serenade, ease away all the stress of
life; close your eyes; focus-as you listen in -the woodwinds play
then strings, with full instrumental pay attention to the harmony- a
temptation of sight and sound, all of nature on full display, ready
to engage an audience of one or the toughest of audiences found

IV.
like a moth to a flame with eyes open, or shut tight
with averted, or eyes wide, always missing the signs
never ready to avoid all the lost opportunities of escape
flit or fight; hit or miss, of it's own making; just the chance
to survive another day; as if- yet with a trick of light
that blinds, ready to be claimed- still another victim falls
not ready, fully unprepared - for a fate worse than death

V.
to reach,  there,  stand at the top of the mountain
you must (will) take the climb-up, all the way, just to be
closer to God, to feel the presence, in touch with Grace
so when one speaks of the unexplained- all will
be made plain, and ones full faith shall be restored

VI.
In my infant grandson's eyes, I watch him, figuring out life
all the shapes and colors, he is confronted with, all at once
yet he comes through- made of pure delight, with little fingers
and toes- full potential; of energy housed in a body of truth
making me  truly humbled, to be blessed, as all time stands still
I am lost in this moment of sheer innocence; of his (my) life defined  

by Michael Perry

Angel of the Street (Sleeping On Concrete)

out here alone, I became aware of  
my new reality, my home- it  was here, out on the street
like a bad dream, I was awakened
from a troubled sleep, you got down on your knees, next to me

you held out your hand, to this broken man
I did not know you, yet you
accepted me for me, speaking my name

my angel of the street
you saved me with your smile
without any judgement, there on the concrete
told me I was worth saving
taking me into a warm embrace, when
others could not see, you saw me
down here, on the concrete- you were my angel of the street

you were a stranger to me, as you
came out of nowhere, yet you knew my name, how come?
still, I knew not to question your intention, I could feel, they were real

with my whole world
caving in, you told me
I was worth saving, you comforted me with
your simple words that healed, you took my shame away
and just like that
you erased all the hurt in my eyes, simply with
the touch of your hand-and then

you were gone

as I raised myself up
ready for the first time, in a long time

to realize-

I had been visited by an angel-who with a saving grace
-gave me the strength to stand up and carry on


By Michael Perry

QUARTET OF HAIKU

just as the sun sets
if one turns in time to see
colors of life shine

her smile held me fast
illicit-flawed, by chance meet
of 10,000 days saved

out of night looming
two car lights careen, into
a dark road will reveal

carried by water
of echo repeat, on the verge
voices call out, to haunt

by Michael Perry

SUMMER IN THE CITY

**** it's hot- jeez
with no breeze
to speak of-and the windows shut
while every fan's-been seized- in the still-ness
of to breathe, there-down in  the alley-the stagnant
pause to  stay,  still, once twice, albeit one, of the spoiled
few-we are, given in to sanctify thy-self- by the created- get a grip
be  (so) delirious- (we are ) claimed by the almighty-
into seeing visions-boy it's hotter- than hot- so hot-
like an egg
cooked on the grill
of a Chevy 68"
with  a hot engine-and the cool
body-given to this climate- if you can -claim it ; here
(she) comes in with her sauntering approach- well then, where eyes meet eyes
yet no takers; no way-she says- it's too hot- with
her indignant style, not even -for money, pay for my time
and the red dress kills, anyways
and she walks on- into the dark- just an ordinary night
-as it spills out in to the late of  July-full summer sweat
the hot- it's so hot- imprinted on ones brain-no one can forget
does it matter - - as life
comes to a crawl-deep
in the bowels-of the city proper- how come- it's so hot-
no one can sleep -everyone is up- it's sweltering- here
boy is it hot- in a city that never sleeps-either way, regardless  

by Michael Perry

LEFT TO THE ELEMENTS

like so many memories
to come and go
the writing was on the wall
to think it through- or place blame
neither one of us knew
how to play the game
we are fire and ice, moments carried away
in times of anger and love, on display
blaze on-or turn cold, whats happened to us?

like in a touch, given, taken
absolved, to be promised
could this passion survive
for another day, in a burn instead
or die out in the cold, if only
we had more of a say, how it should be
we were abandoned, feelings exposed
giving up to faith, to carry on-seize the day
we were left to the elements- discovering love the hard way

by Michael Perry

WHAT I TELL MYSELF

what it must be like- for just one night
to be loved, liked- to just be-the good-bad,
in side of me- comes out- (I am waiting) as thoughts swirl
- around the bed room-if I go to sleep now
say my prayers- always;  minds in overload-- (if I could) to side step
the obvious- (how can I) concentrate-settle-down
make it one thing-at a time, two, three
four, shut the door-sure thing- (do I)- feel better?
now, have one eye-open, long as it takes- for
the duration of the night- I wait (have my doubts)
every-thing in the dark-
stays exaggerated; or better explained
in the morning- (hope so)- at least I think (what I tell myself)

by Michael Perry

TILL THE SUN

every time, in a love worth the wait
simply spoken, no need for permission
call it passion -time after time, call it fate

face to face, emotions high, you and I
within our sights ready, here so close
when eyes meet, as if for the first time

you bring me to tears, my dear, my love
without delay, for in this time, a love
built upon, a trust so profound, proven

gently over and over, your lips touch mine
I feel your breath, with a fragrant bliss
against my face, distraction so divine

sweet side of heaven, my case to plead
buried emotions exhumed, deep within
to focus, our every consideration we take heed

while I whisper into your ear, the times blur
no one hears, as your reaction, says it all
encouraging our journey, we move further

with us, willing, here and now, we are truly one
in a touch so close, we feel our hearts beat,lost
to the loving, carried away, all night long till- the sun

By Michael Perry

FROM A POSTED NOTE

From a posted note found:

laid out in some fancy script
could have been really great, I guess?
one of many lines-maybe better expressed
how about in person instead- on it was written:

"I love you
let me
count the ways (100x)
to show you, starting
with today and always
it's you, it's always been you -who
I love and truly adore"-oops
:( I've run out of room-
flip the page; read on
Please!-there's so much more-I need to tell you-
still to come from me-stay tuned :)

by Michael Perry

OUR TIME OF NEED

its always been about the words
with us-what we said
how we said them- in what form ; in which
way- to love, using words to hurt, with words to shame
how words give creedence- lay blame,we used
words to bolster our claim, we used them to prop us up
to make us feel better, when we needed it when-
and now -
it's about the words unsaid; in this our here and now
being altogether inappropropriate, for us-in this
our time of need, they are meaningless, they carry no weight
in this, our time of need, nothing else seems to matter, as
we  come to understand-that we have other senses- unused
unrecognized- hardly ever-thought of, till now
ready to reciprocate- in this-         our time of need.

by Michael Perry

OLD MAN  -about father's and son's

I called you on the phone- you answered slow
each time, as you spoke, gathering your thoughts, parsing
every word- at first-not recognizing me, then a spark of the familiar

you said, my name as we made small talk this day and every day
our common thread to kindle, of the days events; such generalized
things; the weather, your health- the house needing repairs, all
the by and by, still and all, until then when

the conversation would eventually peter out, we agreed to
speak again soon, we never touched upon, to say "I love you"
each time remaining, complacent, aloof, and during this silence
all I could think of was what I needed to do-once I hung up with him-

and  now your gone-of this I realized much too late
-of the common, the mundane, the thread that bound us
one to the other, as father and son

am I like you?- I wondered year after year- as I saw your
reflection staring back at me, in the mirror- and now, thinking
I wish I had turned the conversation back to us- to make it about us
to say I love you, and really mean it- for I never told you, you
were my original superhero- the person I most wanted to be, then
over time-as we took each other for granted, your presence diminished but your memory lives on

I am the Father now- and a Grandfather too, and with every conversation I have with my sons I tell them I love them and they to me-I don't want them to think that  saying "I love you" is un-manly- something you don't say out -loud, my  sons are of a different generation as I was to my Father  and this is a
good thing for all of us, knowing unconditionally that we as men can give love and receive love to each other and not be afraid to speak it out loud or to show it and accept this as our gift to each other; as father and son(s).

By Michael Perry

TIME HAS COME

to myself, I think the time has come
I've made up my mind, It's taken me years
to understand- it was never my fault
I  was blind to facts while always taking blame

today is the day, we both face the truth
you will not change, so change begins with me
I counted each day as a prison sentence
you as the warden to keep me in lock and key

why did it take so long to recognize why
I have no easy answers to explain
love is blind, and each time you think
that with a little more time, things will change

as I touch the doors handle, my hand shakes
I don't turn around to look back, or I will
surely remember the pain- it's tuesday morning
at 3:30 am- I've finall y taken all I can take

the street outside is silent, the light is barely through
my life has been a blessing, yet I've always felt the curse
as my mind races faster than I can comprehend, I stand here
thinking- my feet planted, to reflect on, a freedom deserved

by Michael Perry

ADDICTION TO

out of an ember
as the day fades into night
made from sparks-
of burning faith  made right
to become flame,    we, in this, our heated exchange
having bodies fleshed out
by the shadows, as we are
****** upon hallowed ground
willing to whisper speak, for in our preemptory prayers
out of the soul searching it demands
we proclaim
this divine intervention, we are consumed,
with hearts exhumed, by these stolen demands, we
take heed, to breathe it; as if our last,
ready to
ignore mind over matter
the body and soul, is overcome, free-fall, letting go
to be-  human after all, within our limited capacity
we will accept true love, unable to explain it , other to say, more than this
the complication of- drove us here; with love like a drug, having no remedy or cure; our addiction to this
is made bigger- than we both could have realized

By Michael Perry

A Dark Time

from out of a dark time
let the light count the days
as our innocence is tested
in so many ways

what happens now
as millions of voices react-lay blame
ready to throw up our hands
we declare a moratorium on pain

with words plainly spoken
not just sung or rehearsed
we look to our elders; for ways to make peace
declared; passionate, spoken in straight forward verse

for in the light left, another day clings fast
after the soul-searching, too tired to move
we stay dug-in, immobile, steadfast
as the possibility of change, remains within reach

as we close our eyes, even sleep we fight
still we turn a corner; tonight is made possible
by the countless names and faces
their struggles lived;  impossble to ignore, the time is now

humanity for all- a God given right

by Michael Perry

EITHER WAY
                                      
feeling full of myself                     so  totally                      I am           in control
with blaring music-                 buzzed, happy   invincible-                           singing along- play it up  
make it loud-                                                    in the background   an escape of                  so sudden -all the-        
words lost- gone; blink in an instant  from my brain,                                     to       I am - far removed-
there is no meaning less , of the blur                                so tell me                        on-coming head lights blazed-come now gone
     there in                 a split second decision;         all is changed          came the whirring past
                                what was I thinking?              mortality                      such a fragile thing
begin- to sink in                            death                                           or life- a quick                                what if
could have                gone                                                    either way

of shattered lives-     no next time        on a dark road     leaving   only-tragedy- in it's wake-              of young dreams deferred; unfulfilled

by Michael Perry

THE PICTURES OF

the pictures of
all boxed up;  put there
left to the memory, scattered-unnamed

locked away, between the shadows
and dust motes-of what was

now in the dark
their eyes closed to the light; patience narrowed, flawed
waiting for someone

anyone to care-to  open up, reveal
have a claim renewed,  chance again, of what has been

ready to emote, over lost feelings, laid scattered
left askew, pressed by the years
gone unanswered, they are silent; impatient

for until, they are expectant; prepared, a life once lived
there in a moment; breathe in, to feel loved

by Michael Perry

ONCE AND FOR ALL
counting the days; the long and slow of it
much has come between us, as we
lead other lives-now; to this point, I resigned
to letting you go; until our chance meeting-  again
now under these changed circumstances, do we
rekindle, what was left; would it still be the same
or has time tempered our view-from a once growing flame
to where we are now; as we share a moment, ready
to gaze into each others eyes for the first time or last
would it  tell us everything, we will need to know; as we
start over, with an initial embrace, will we still be lovers
or just replaying- love's foolish game, somehow; wanting
to be coaxed again- or will one touch be enough, as our bodies
find the confidence, once more, with hands over  our hearts
as we confess true love- between us, once and for all

by Michael Perry

A Day in The Life

a day in the life -what happens next
as we watch; all the books are burned
afraid of what they say- while speaking  the truth
words are banned, we are told censorship is the way

a day in the life-what happens next
as we watch; all music lyrics are stripped
no more music will be heard-the sound of silence
-is deafening, truly frightening

a day in the life -what happens next
as we stand in single file, dressed alike
everyone the same-no gender identity, we must conform
individualism forbidden,  we only have ourselves to blame

a day in the life-what happens next
with every eye shut tight, all our ears plugged closed  
each tongue in silence, we ignored the signs, taken once as familiar
it's too late now, life's taken for granted, each one's freedom gone

what happens next? a day in the life

by Michael Perry

In The Night

there in the night-with feelings alive
because of you- binding our hearts
the sounds- of a familiarity
I speak your name- enunciate dedicate my life
when I touch you- touch me
take my breath away-skin upon skin
hold back- rush the tide
moon is full- white upon white
hot whisper- cold sheets
touch of collar bone-cleft of thigh
sweet desire- moments succinct
there up on the altar- love made real
the dawn is close- we are overcome
made out of memories-happening real
the tears spill- we are bound one to one
flesh made purpose- from one to the next
we continue in this way on and on- momentous two of us
ready to divide and conquer-  the riches of love explored

By Michael Perry

SUMMERTIME

as the moth against the screen door
flits at the light willing or not to repeat
in it's attempted blind stare that which
fuels the source of it's stress all at once
in singular to strive; to live, it beats it's
wing to the ragged hum of a busted air
conditioner pushing out even more heat
- over and over - a thousand times-more
with a vain struggle to gain a simple footing
a failed persistence, it staggers to survive
for that which stands in it's way-namely; the
unrelenting endless summertime, it bears down
in a grip, to take hold- we are reminded of this-
going forward, we must think ahead; regard our
position - to seek it all, or die trying- over and
over in our own vain attempt to succeed or fail, we
then, like as not; will in the end- become like the moth

By Michael Perry

ONCE MORE

from my window
there to glimpse
I watch the birds; assorted
set down to feed, frenzied
from a slanting rain, they seek out
to gather peck and scratch
while in this moment of
lost souls, well-nigh contemplative
I look up and as the clock
chimes out the hour, feeling the
assault of lonely moments gather, I am aware then as
before the yard has emptied out once more

by Michael Perry