There comes that moment
When the noise falls away
And the clock slows its keeping
There comes that moment
When color loses its distinction
And others merge undecipherable
There comes that moment
When past and future collapse
And real differences go silent
There comes that moment
When spirit rises above reason
And wonder surprises routine
There comes that moment
When limits, rules, expectations
Succumb to louder voices
There comes that moment
When hidden is unveiled
And eyes hold tight the recognition
Of you
Of me
Inching towards Us

Losing, gaining...which?
Departing, arriving...which?
Blinded, seeing...which?
Mad, lucid...which?
Repeating, progressing...which?
Falling, rising...which?
False, true...which?
All. All.

Blue black night is a blanket
That wraps its weight around
The shoulders of all who wait for something...
Something...to be born
What they bear is the silence of in between time
Attending has begun
Ordinary has passed
Watching for what soon arrives

Looking through old photographs
I recognize the tomboy
Carefree in cut-off shorts
Hair full and uncombed
“Tube” socks cresting knees
Shirt off, washing the car
Basketball, glove, stick, skateboard
Rock collection
Aluminum can collection
Devoid of pink
Chubby arms thrown around the shoulders of friends
Unknown and unexplored inside

I love that little girl
I love her confident capability
I love her authentic tenderness
I love her astute eyes
I love the way her lips pout
Only to (surprise!) give up a smile
I love the muscularity of her body and her imagination
I love her fierce spirit
I love her innocent devotion
I love her pure thoughtfulness
I love the way she simmers and erupts

When wildness is blooming beneath her
Gathering “trust in herself” is as alien
As the boys on her street
And just about as unnecessary

A turn of phrase
A slight of hand
The wool pulls over me
You work real hard
And shuffle round
These words so I can’t see
This “friend” is yes a lover
This “touch” is yes a tease
This “love” is just your version  
Of doing what you please

To tell the truth
Always
Whatever slivers of it you can express
Hoping that bits and pieces
Equal up to a whole you can
take a risk on
suffer a loss for
It takes love and courage
To bear the truth
and its consequences

What will happen when I construct a fence around my heart?

Wire, steel poles, and cement have been lying dormant
But today I gather my hammer,
my work gloves,
and my balance.