INTO THE MIRROR

I wanted to beat-the system
to live well-past prime, where age
is a number a relatable, an idea
transformed in flesh, here now
looking into the mirror, this morning
I realize, my face is unrecognizable
appearing aged, drawn- where a spark once
lived-from what I remember- to stare back
this stranger, in my own skin, I don't comprehend
maybe its the lights; or the turn of my head, false hope
as with everything else;  age catches up, time marches on

by Michael Perry

BLACK CAT, BLUE CAR

forever lost in their missed steps, beyond the cracks
steel garbage cans line up along  the blackened street tar
received without reply, for in those times gone unnoticed
two are poised, in it's strangeness; a black cat, blue car

by and by, as time flies to lives unsettled or to pass
this life stands stagnant, unmoved, hot to touch, near and far
anyone who wishes, in a subtle voice, lost among the whispers
unfazed nor rattled,  side step, both; the black cat, blue car

on a city street lives collide anonymous silhouette, the alley
heading anywhere else beyond pavements façade, scarred
close enough to touch, by the ruts, lost in moments, to pass
together they poised, to stare down defiant; a black cat, blue car

By Michael Perry

UNTITLED

                A light we
once possessed
this want- had a name
a common thread, all at once
beginning, to unravel, still
I had in my mind
to hold on to, you, to linger there- deep in
side my veins, made me insane
you came like a drug-to flow
under my skin each time, in
need of a fix, to retain my sanity
             our perfect storm, with conditions right
you were what I  needed, to make me dependant
                     now all for nothing,you turned, cold
my withdrawl complete like bugs under my skin- to
crawl there, I was left cold and
shaking, for days on end-  you left me behind, as I
tried to focus, somehow retain- get a grip
                                                   on loves new reality

by Michael Perry

BONE

bits of dust created
formed into bone
of something discarded
unidentifiable, was found
by accident, bleached
and sun dried, walked over
how many times, a piece  
of driftwood to be kicked, or fetched
lost to the ways of nature
claimed as it's prey, devoured
by the weather, with no name
once of flesh and blood- missing
fingers, toes arms
within a heart, once beating
now silent , a final indignity
prepared for a potters grave
tagged-unnamed; case closed

by Michael Perry

BLUE

I called you on the phone
when you didn't answer, I left a message instead
needed to hear your voice, just one more time
I'm so sorry baby, so sorry for what I said
I wanted to explain
no matter what it takes
I really miss you, I made a mess
without you here, next to me, my heart will surely break
I need you to believe
when your not around, where do I go from here
feeling like the color blue, what can I do
don't you understand, why can't you see
I'm so sorry for what I said
I'm such a fool
what was I thinking
when I didn't say I love you back, when I do, baby, I do
it never crossed my mind
I didn't check with my heart, I just assumed
now the pain of losing you
is tearing me apart- instead
I need you to believe
when your not around, where do I go from here
feeling like the color blue what can I do
don't you understand, why can't you see- let me spend
the rest of our lives- making it up to you

By Michael Perry

A KITCHEN ROMANCE

spoon loves to fork
fork loves to spoon
knife chimes in-cut it
you crazy kids, go on
and get yourselves a room

By Michael Perry

LOVE LEFT IN REDUX

In those moments that held us cold and sober
where the silence crawls, apathy becomes the thrill
demanding all our attention, realizing the fight
in us was finished, a bitter pill we swallowed, moreover

to have a love you can't get back, our paradise lost  
a love left in redux, now a casualty, the final cost

like a half past moon, no reason to stay
we have nothing left to savor or hinder
with our tongues silently rendered, why
didn't love stay, paying the price, no say

love was a conversation in passing, no pat answer
we lift the flag of surrender- as love goes down under
if it wasn't enough, for us both, this love, we shared
a love we once devoured, to fight or flight, now a blur

to have a love you can't get back, our paradise lost  
a love left in redux, now a casualty,  the final cost

honesty our only option, with hearts laid out on the sleeve
while in the morning after, it was the wedge to drive us away
truth or consequence, was it you, or was it me, maybe both or
a little bit of happenstance, a part of our growing make believe

to have a love you can't get back, our paradise lost  
a love left in redux, now a casualty,  the final cost

By Michael Perry

LITTLE PIECES

she followed him while love was blind
within a heart beat unable to resist his charms
while not so ready to speak up her mind as
the wounding had begun, for in a love corrupt
she at a loss for where to turn, a heart in turmoil
he would not give in, she will never give up
to walk a very thin line, while his anger gripped
like an icy hand, not to be pried, was her feelings
betrayed, her hearts been tripped, all but ignored
with time-needing a spark to stroke it or die, her
feelings delayed within a life turned upside down
a woman scorned a dream denied left in a void
she lives on the edge of a dream delayed all
the little pieces, of her broken one by one wishing
some day to be made whole, hoping to see what she
has been missing all these years, she realizes;  the
loss of time, her heart her soul and her identity are
yet to be revealed, she steps out from under the spell
which has kept her in hex- then, she watches one day
as his eyes are ready to close- within memories died
the trigger plied, she begins to wonder what is next?
sitting there watching him, sifting through all the lies
she stares at the open window beyond, and at the
days first light all is revealed within a new day and
a new morning's sun rise- needing a spark; to stroke
it or die, her feelings delayed are now within grasp a
life turned upside down, a woman scorned, a dream
denied left in a void, she lives on the edge of a dream
delayed, of her, little pieces, broken one by one, finally
made whole shes ready to see, what, she knows she's
never seen, to have missed it all , no longer left behind
those little pieces made whole, her heart her soul and
her identity in place: she is;  finally in control of her life

By Michael Perry

from this place of pain, wanting to reach out
the snow falls tonight, looking from the window
into the darkness beyond
     as  it falls
                     falls
                             falls
                                       falls
into tears cold and anonymous to the ground below
                    made of sticks and stones
I am alone       I am hurting         does anyone care     despite this
I am made of steel                    I am better than this, so
           in my momentary bout  of weakness - take notice
    by the morning                  still and all                              I                               ­                             
                                          will
                 ­               OVERCOME      

by Michael Perry

LEFT MY GUITAR

unable to sleep with the night slowly closing in
I am taken back as I look out a glass windowed pane
feeling so solemn in a vigil anonymous, it begins

needing to coax my mind, I struggle with the strain
looking for inspiration or an intervention, that will light my way
whatever it takes, to make lighting strike, and heal this pain

without the perfect words, I struggle, lost feelings lay there
for I have nothing more to give, what more is there to say
so I, left my guitar sitting silent, un-played, there by the stair  

within a night, under a canvas painted sky littered flecks of gold
I am swept, cold air gripped, standing here to stare, made aware
throughout the heavens, the stars are dotted like fireflies, to behold

ready to come clean, get back from out of this temporary lark
I've reached from deep within finding my way back, my way back
letting my voice rise and speak for itself, and yes, make its mark

In just a few chords, the words gradually flow back into a song
ready to play- my finger tips poised, finally feeling the hum
felt deep within, ain't no surprise, it happens as I begin to strum

picking up from where I left my guitar- having the words to share
blended with perfect harmonies I lacked; with more of me to give
my voice backed up, by heart and soul, I still have living to live

By Michael Perry

FROM OUT OF THE SURF

from out of the surf
where dreams are made, comes the echo of  
repetition in tongues, we are spoken for

while with your fingers
on mine; we play loves music
cast off the wall, leaving our shadows come to dance

carried on, carried over,  out of time and space
ready for a minds release
between the sheets, no words give sway

to the sweet fragrance of
tropical flowers that consume in
vivid, willingness to strike a chord- the sun has settled

between us, you and I, where love,has left us blind
overcome, saited, out through the open window are
the harmonies of water to sand, enternities, ebb and flow

by Michael Perry

From a Hill

from a hill that gives chill swept
by the pacific northwest sea lays
below me the view appearing endless
except for once in awhile the
letting down of deciduous leaves
that fall from the single
sullen yew; in life mistreated
by weather and age yet, stays
entrusting the visitor, to find no disappointment
from this vantage it keeps hold
as for my gaze, anywhere else
would simply pale in comparison
as I stand here and now

By Michael Perry

FOUR LETTER WORD (version two)
we believe
albeit crave-to remain- once defined- we plead
forever- I and you- hard to explain-we give it
receive it- state it in our prayers
we live it –keep it- all in the name of love
so profound
lost to the stars-we will remain
standing in awe
a word used for devotion
spoken for or used with the eyes
a word
to be lost on a page
fighting back to be heard
most powerful- having no comparison- to live
made invincible- in small dose-or a physical reaction
heaven or hell
the pain and passion
upon the alter-of wanton devotion
a night or a life time- most symbolic
fueled by emotion-made to testify-praise love
spaces filled-as in the blood returns
synapses burn- we surrender to- je t’aime
bold and blessed- stay forever- heart beat
saved by-embrace it- for the moments we create
love so chaste- breath taking-swept away- memories made
all in the name of- love

By Michael Perry

FOUR LETTER WORD (version one)
could be a blessing or a curse
or possibly a misdemeanor
when we take a chance
pen all our hopes on this four letter word-love
a word of devotion, one syllable
ready to fly high- keep us grounded
it’s small but yet has instant recognition
a four letter word so simple- yet profound-love
a word- left on a page
lonely without a sentence structure-it functions
to come in between I and you
a four letter word to have and hold with no compunction-love
whether it is fact or fiction
a call for action will be needed-deep down
something happens-a physical reaction
a four letter word- to make a point- taken serious- or just throw it around –love

By Michael Perry

FORGOTTEN LETTERS
pieces of a memory, lack of any  sound
unwilling to keep,  together no-more
in the letters uncollected, -still bound

you wrote of beginnings, any unknowns
with promises not kept, left  in blind faith
while I  all but wept, waiting, feeling exposed

what could I expect
how would I know, what if
so I sat there, to ponder; feel nothing-what next

the silence enveloped
to swallow me whole
I took pen to paper, as written words flowed

to make my peace
emboldened still more
I untied the yoke -of your strangle hold

by Michael Perry

He said                      She said
   what was said- by who
when, where, what day, time
accusations                ***** shame
such a crime                       time goes by
            water under the bridge
            or fueled by animosity
           turning into a- blame game
                   no one wins
he said                                    she said
        - round and round- it will go
                  in a vicious circle
                 -how to explain- court appointed
***** laundry- tossed about- shouting over each other
having no end         and so it goes- little pieces
            of a marriage-that once was
                                                             ­ thrown away

By Michael Perry

CAUGHT UP

I am caught up in the days unraveling, wait; see
not ready to accept, to be left empty, unlovely

counting the miles to go, I am lost; I,  unable to find
my way through, minutes strike down, the hours blind

like grains of sand; to descend, bury me whole; my plea
day for night, to **** over and over, look away from me

there, deep within the image, myself; missing, mirror at my side
with eyes still blue, they say are there, beg to differ; who am I?

lost somewhere else, being the stranger who stares back at me
unable to fight back, or to find, outside image, form of identity

my head down between my knees, nothing more the same
fighting apathy before anger; full of shame, wanting; who to blame

got mystery, of why me? as if every single strand , falls rejected
loose one by one or many; a single brush stroke, to be collected

gathered up, one by one; naivete left on a brush, was meant  
for now I know; I am not like everybody else; different; better

by Michael Perry

MISS CAPE COD

I dreamed of you
anticipation grows
to come back, I know it's been awhile
to come home-with fleeting memory
I recalled-every detail; beach sand, dunes, salt
prodigious grases, still you kept me waiting
let my heart die, turned your back-became
bitter like a lover spurned; denied me-kept your distance
made me a refugee-cast me off- In time though
all has changed, we grow older, bad memories fade
we cling to debris as a life line, you threw to me, I took it
with one last chance to claim my native son status. to breathe in
the salt air-I missed it, to taste on my tongue-again
still remember though, we are complicit
all is forgiven-for now, you and I -together, reconciled

by Michael Perry

HER FACE

all I ever wanted, I will never know
In a field of crow, that failed to scatter
while the ground lay covered with snow

In the stillness her breath rose with mine
climbing skyward, only to fall again as tears
Her eyes dreamed of conquest, through a filtered light

I touched her porcelain bone and alabaster skin
we danced, as the day spawned into night
a musical dirge played, only we could hear

I watched her body as it corrupted mine
her beauty held me spellbound, to the point of no return
I knew then, I would be lost; needing her to remain

all I ever wanted, I will never know
becoming the absolution, I had denied myself
In a field of crow, that failed to scatter, while the ground lay covered in snow

we danced, as I gave up all of my earthly rights
as if by a memory, her face retained its complexity
spilling over, in a kiss, her lips left mine insane

within the jagged harmonies broken by a stillness, to a fault
I let her go, the fear of losing her, to think I could have it all
then, she was gone, as the light, left my eyes, blind, denying heaven

as winter laid claim, I stand alone in this barren field
all the crows that failed to scatter
while the ground lay covered in snow

I live now to weep another day, truly lost
without meaning or in a days end, sleepless
her image gleaned, on flesh and bone, age and memory, no reward

with a sinner's heart, down on bended knee, All I ever wanted
I will never know in a field of crow, that failed to scatter
while the ground lay deeply covered in blanket of snow.

By Michael Perry

BEING ALONE
cascading snow; gentle, falls ****** pure
in silence, with no regard to the ground
below, random, already filling in where
no footsteps, before or after go, to lead
elsewhere, another time and space the
winds will whisper, their voiceless voice
muted, with no one here, all unwatched
by anyone, for the naked branches are
poised;  will reach up skyward; as palms
outstretched in readiness for; to ask for
God's grace, having their most humbled
hearts filled, tonight, the  humanity of;
and the waiting begins, only I the one, an
observer of, I see, things seen and unheard.

by Michael Perry

SEASON

Tender buds break
up through the snow
sun gently caresses
to warm the cold heart
reawakening it's dormant soul
oh bless-ed day
feel beyond the ice of death
brought back to life
in this our season of change.
By Michael Perry

TAKE IT ON THE WING
gulls fly, dart
dive full circle
stealth,rise, fall
in frantic pursuit
searched for-prize
the pearlescent flesh
of coveted shell fish
that lays abandoned
on the empty shore
within useful persistence
a razored beak finds
one,spills out the flesh
ready to take it away
leaving the rest to caw
mocking-restlessly be
their insult, to miss out
frustrated flocks fly on

By Michael Perry

WATER
water is healing
flowing through the vein
of bodies tributary;   water is power
night and day, hour by hour
ready to create life, take it away; water is personified
sacred, purified, to sanctify, carried on for
generation after generation, constantly moving, unfazed, by everything else it surrounds

by Michael Perry

THE PEACE SONG

we are ready to be heard
we each want a say, not face confrontation
but if we must, we will, because we are not ready
to leave anyone behind, for the time has come

if we are ready, put all differences aside
take a stand, be strong, be steady, ready
toe to toe hand in hand, young and old; a rainbow
with a plan sung through words we have, a peace song

to stand beneath one sky, the call is strong
the tug to get behind fast, no it won't fade
as we come here, we deserve
to be heard, for what made this country ours

for democracy is for all, yours and mine
sing it together, come hell or high water
let us rally behind; a peace song, with voices raised
everyone must be heard, can you hear it, can you?

when we come together that will be the beginning
heed the call, walls will crumble, fall; let us have our say
forever is here and now, get ready, have raised fists
demand; stamp our feet on the ground, ready to be heard

within our action; through words and music
we put the world on notice, whatever the risk
for peace to come, it's within our grasp
as we watch, we burn a candle from every window

where all points of light lead, toward a brighter day ahead
we must, will not give up, ever be complacent, not sit back
realize the time is here, let us stand up for this; a peace song
without it, everything we fought for, held dear, or died, will be lost

By Michael Perry

MAKE MOUNTAINS MOVE

she walks, making them wait, in heels and hose
for so long she stands under a street lights metallic glow
to give them what they want, as cars pull up slowly
she pauses long enough, for a deep breath, and another show

what happens next, will be up to her
before the future slips away, to take control of her destiny
make mountains move; realize the possibilities

in the shadows, strung out, lost in an absent stare
he comes one step closer, to maybe losing it all
he waits only to score, knowing he lives out there
heading for a dangerous fall, or just another close call

what happens next, will be up to him
before the future slips away, to take control of his destiny
make mountains move; realize the possibilities

unable to sleep, she sits there in the dark
she cries night after night, at the door, she stares
he's still not home, he will be very soon
the children close on her mind, she will endure, bearing all

what happens next, will be up to her
before the future slips away, to take control of her destiny
make mountains move; realize the possibitities

What happens next is anybody's guess

By Michael Perry

FROM A REFLECTION
From a reflection lost in shadow
casting-forlorn, melting into night
we continue along the vacant beach
coming here; together, we carry the weight
both of us hold, with  no words to come
we shiver in silence, up against the cold
deep in our thoughts over reminiscent loss
to carry us along, needing to let go as
the pounding surf speaks in echo repeat
echo repeat;  only to leave us, susceptible to
undertow- to submerge us, unable to breathe
we can't go back, the way we came, we walk on
as if by now a simple refraction of light will give
us a moment more, to realize- turn day into night
with the moon up above, in circumspect, the only
witness to our trial, we will leave each foot fall to
fade, like this life, we are, lost to the incoming tide

by Michael Perry

REQUIEM

requiem of a romance
gone-presumed dead
was it the flowers?-over done?
a bouquet
once they bloomed
now without any sun- to nourish, doomed to die
alone-together, cut from; on the vine
sullied- love left untried, everyone cried

By Michael Perry

RED DRESS

clinging to her curves, showing just enough, she is, as I
watched her; from head to toe, turning my way, I am
left speechless, having no words come, tongue tied
mouth dry, here with, no way to flatter, to implore
my missed opportunity, I have no one else to blame
what a shame, in that one minute, a lost circumstance
she simply stopped my heart, with one last look, now
she walks by, in that red dress, all to linger, to burn a
tattoo, on my brain, never to forget, forever on my mind
no longer attainable, she simply will be, that beautiful woman
in a red dress, who passed me by; with one chance to impress

by Michael Perry

LOVE ON  

in the warmth of a first kiss  
or the chill of a relation in flux
we were better then this

with everything we have known
once truly believed in, our love slowed
each leaf of passion, fallen to the ground

what is left to say
as we stand like strangers
here now, arms out- kept at bay

we cannot explain
for being careless with our love
is it possible, have the strength to change

can we love on,  or have dreams deferred
save it within reason, have a plan
somehow make it right; explain the unexplainable

do we realize this
or apologize in vain
when feelings hurt-whose to blame

who were we protecting
with words that trivialize
emotions caught upending

can we love on, give up all we had
or should we make another go
face it all, the good, the ugly, the bad

by Michael Perry

VIOLIN
Play me like a violin
with no need for words, right now
to strike the right chord
I am swept away by your spell
in such a way, this intoxicating music
it has me, taken, under your control
I am brought to tears from  
every rise; fall, inflection, in symphony
giving rise to a musical cadence;  our progression of love

By Michael Perry

SUNDAY MORNING
some how trying to recall / a few minutes more/as the rains begin to fall outside
holding back time/ trying to ignore/ another day unfolds/ outside our door
with her body / resting against mine every space filled/ with our loving in mind
to good to be true/ a clock begins to chime/ somewhere near by/ hit it one time
more than a memory now/ as sunday morning still lives through/ rose colored glass
now coming into view/ feeling crazy build/ needing to unwind/ even if /only in my mind
making monday morning/ a little easier I find/ as it comes back round/ comes back round
with yesterdays memory/ now fading fast/ if only/ as our bodies lay here/ nice and warm
letting sunday morning linger still/ with just a little hint / another touch/ of skin on skin
here comes monday/ pillows pushed in to a pile, her lips/ close to mine/ another moment more
listening to her soft breathing/ knowing I can't resist/ or even turn back the hands of time
more than a memory/ sunday morning still lives through rose colored glass/ now comes a view
feeling crazy build/ needing to unwind/ even if /only in my mind/making monday morning
a little easier I find/ as monday morning comes back round/ as monday comes back round

By Michael Perry

I AM
I am, because of you
seen through your eyes
love is my reward

made out of flesh and bone
you let me see;  blessed, truly
while the sun rose and fell

from your smile
having two fates we are sealed
forever justified, together sanctified

from this love where
no boundary divides, in its capacity  
I am; because of you, in this, our love will live on

By Michael Perry

FIRE AND ICE
in a series of memories we made; thinking back,  lack of clarity
fore-shadowing our fall, taken in by, inevitablely, left waiting
the writing was on the wall-we never thought through, to place blame
when it came down neither of us really knew how to play the game

we are two elements of fire and ice, within moments of love, we are
ready to blaze on-only to lose our way, sure footing-  hot turning cold
what happened to us baby, what went wrong, still, through
a series of memories recalled; where a touch-once meant so much

if only we allowed our passion to survive into another day
with a burn instead of dying with the cold, if only we had another say
two hearts on trial, guity as charged- a love placed on hold
we are two elements of fire and ice; mistaking something more, exposing it all

we were child-like to wish by chance-in an unlucky happenstance full-on
where elusive stars, shone far away, we hate ourselves for not taking another stance
we are two elements of fire and ice within moments of love-ready to blaze on
to eclipse us both;  as touch falls stone cold,  what happened to us, would we never learn

by Michael Perry

We Were
We were just kids       living for back in the day
it was 1984                  San Francisco remember?
I do,  Ileene was a girl  I knew          full of fun
she was    ready for anything                 one day
it was at the                               end of the year
she dressed herself                                 all up
head to toe  in                          calendar pages
what a sight                               she didn't care  
what people thought                    or said of us
we were young                          wild and crazy
it was the year                          fleeting days of
                   willing to just standout
to be                                                whatever
we wanted       in varying     forms of expression
                   what can I say?
that year                           she said it for all of us

By Michael Perry

DRUG

Shorn walls of cracked plaster nondescript, punched through holes
out of an anger imposed, you try to feel superhuman
as you get ready to fly high, month after month, now over ten fold

so here comes the let down, again, sooner not later, get
yourself together, tough lessons learned, as peaks of sun
filter  through onto treadbare floors, feeling lost, with no outlet

laid out,  crumpled on the unmade bed, your worst nightmare realized
try to get up- not so easy is it?,  hey, brains says maybe another score
will do the trick, one of hundreds past, still you think about it, visualize

and there are side affects, not to overlook, skinny white arms, bruised
up and down, no place left, with deflated veins exposed, still
play it for numb, dumb down the pain, pull on that brass ring, you may lose

still as you shake, take another chance, maybe its time for a little praying
with your  head down, between your knees, eyes closed, closer to God
unable to realize, with labored breaths; you, undecided, your bodys craving; still more

By Michael Perry

HUNTER'S MOON

Hunter's moon
yellow stained hangs suspended
lonely; darkness falls
cursed stars spill out of a blanket of night
still transposed; giving silent creatures their cue
a barn owls somber call quickens as the heart of a
squirrel's tail twitches making way through thickets tumble
nixing escape from perils flight
December's petrified wood leaves nature standing dormant
for a time keeping no secrets tonight
once dawn breaks the morning mist hangs stubborn masking
the forest facade from view

By Michael Perry

FEARLESS (a boxer's story)  

from the precipice-I have stood to claim my right; I am fearless
over the years, fight has taken it's toll, I am a boxer-with cuts to my skin

I got muscles fully breached-still fighting is all I have ever known
I am a closer-I need one more chance to reclaim; not ready to go yet

I am a boxer- just once more-gotta beat the hype-to punish-take no prisoners
letting my punches hit their mark, taken one back to the jaw-leaving it's mark

still I will not be denied-I am one and the same; a gladiator-entering the ring
I am fearless-made peerless-as a diamond- sharp as a blade-just one more time

or has the years taken its toll- have I overstayed my welcome; need one chance to prove
to make a come back; I crave the respect-I deserve as much- I know, warriors don't give up

it's never too late- got fame on my brain-chances delayed-I am ready to climb that ladder
touch those heights-once again feel the heavens- fall down to my knees-I'll get back up

ready to fight- I am fearless- I believe in me- as the applause-rises up- I am calm
letting the voices-refresh like holy water, I hear them call to me-soothing like a salve

take my pain away -ready to fight anew- I will no longer be denied-ready to shake failure
to cement my name-be the greatest- fight for fame- remember my name-for glory given

to fight for salavtion- stake my claim- fight to stay alive- prove my point-leave no doubt  
I am fearless- a boxer's story- fighting for glory and my redemption

By Michael Perry