As a flame hot.
Bright with white.
The burn of truth.

Having grown to cover.
Cracks healed;
Turtle shell still
encompasses treasures
of the heart.
As thoughts grow,
so the shell grows.
Thus far, the damage
is not fatal.
Just trying.
My ribbed shell
still holds the secrets.

The coolness of the water
as it runs down my hands;
Feeling the green of summer
surround my shoulders;
Reaching for the delight.
Sunlight tripping ahead
on the water;
Inviting me to swim.
God beckons my thoughts.
Gladly shared.

Spinning toward the future
At a slower pace.
Not able to leave the minute
That just seems to linger
With me longer than it should.
Takes so long to move down
The road when I moving at
My normal pace.
Something inside just not right.
Time needs to catch my moving mind.

Just because it lasts,
Doesn't make it good.
Just too stupid to stop.
Do the same wrong thing.
Feel the same empty.
Was it just the money?
Peace alone at any price.
Stop living the same mistake.
You're right I was as stupid
as you said.
I lived the same lie
for thirty years.
But I am done.
Go find your fortune
Elsewhere.
It was never me.
It was just a long term.

Falling from the present,
into a photo of the past.
The spot without the troubles.
Sunshine morning
With birds singing.
Blessings of youth and
stability of unknown.
Sun burns across the linen
onto the sleeping face.
Happy curling lips.
Quite snuggles
without the burden
of sharing years.
Perfection of the start.

Not really about the drugs;
All about deep inside;
My see is sawing;
I need level;
The drugs just make
It equal for me.
The wine makes me real.
Sometimes its too much.
My taste for life is
the problem.
I like it full with a bite.
It bites back.
The drugs just regulate.
My problem is deep inside.
I like a party edge.

Not my label to be shared;
Sometimes it's just wrong;
Pushing me into a corner.
Is it because you are the one?
Tired of you throwing
It on me as if I own it.
Take back your burden.
Empty my path.
I won't claim the name.
Just a mere woman.
But a fate to be lived.
Without a misnomer.

Met her in a place
Where no one wants to be.
People find it warm for winter.
Leave again in spring.
Said she took her meds.
Her family was important.
Paul McCartney wed her cousin.
The pretty was falling from her features.
The care had long gone.
Was an Eastman.
So much said on film.
Needed a cigarette
Lost from her family.
Tell them where she is.
Doing better now.
Said she always took her meds.

Glistening with truth.
Reflections in your eyes
Of dreams unshared.
Never thought to hide
what was reflected
clearly like a camera
in a mirror.
Thought it was a moment
caught with special care.
But it was a moment shared
with reckless naivete.
Youth doesn't understand
what the world so easily sees.
Stop the false, don't pose with me.

Made my world ring
With love;
Showed me the worth;
So miss your smile.

Draped with the knowledge
That it is coming to an end;
Dipping beneath the glowing
Gaze that follows me.
Want to shake loose
and wriggle free.
Take off.
Take your chips.
Give me mine.
Games over.
No more tiny slices.
No more twisting knots.
Take off.
Love someone else.
Leave me be.
No feelings left.
Just bitter taste.
Spit it out.
Take off.

No schedule.
Just long walks.
My own thoughts.
Not the nuisance
Of responsibilities.
No hungry questions
With no easy answers.
No one pulling at me
With their plans.
Freedom to be
My inner self.
Prayers of repair.
Filling an empty soul.
Lonely healing
So very much needed.

Child wraps arms
around herself.
Gently poking bony parts.
Momma says "Angel Wings."
Tightly hidden by earthly self.
Waiting with expectation.
Stretching to burst
forth with purpose.
"Come out!"
Momma strokes the angel wings.
"Not soon, live your life.
The wings won't come 'til
you are done. So much life
for those wings to grow.
Keep those wings  deep inside."

Just once be kind.
Applaud what is done.
Understand what is felt.
Help me gain vision.
Let me see what is done.
See what you feel.
So quick sometimes with blindness.
Years of feeling, but not trying.
See my vision, dream my dream.
Walk my step.
I am grown.
Walk beside,
Not in front.

Sink to the bottom;
Blues, green
Away from the shallow;
No more hallow;
Feeling the full weight
Of the deepest part.
Life of a mermaid
My tail beating against
The bottom forcing sand
To cover the depth.
Let me rest in deep.
No answers to be had.
Just rest for my weary self.

Wake a day with longing.
Drawing from deep within
Strength from your very core.
To make it better with  sheer
Force of will.
Wellbeing because you want
To make it be.
Chase away the unknown
For that desired.
I will make it go away.
I will find the day
Of results gained.
Wake a day with success.

Its not about me.
Bits and pieces maybe.
My imagination.
My daydream.
My life.
My sister's life.
Don't try to read my mind.
It flies to distant lands.
Too many stories heard.
Too many stories lived.
Too many stories dreamt.
Don't try to read my mind.
It is just a ***** lie.

Breaking from the day;
Taking a moment of joy;
Doing as pleases;
Just a tease of what might be;
But will never be;
A mere daydream.
A whim for later thought.
Maybe later regret.
Just an afternoon.

The bones of angel wings
resting tightly inside the tiny body
stroked by the mother's loving hand.
The bones of angel wings
while a young woman
grasped with greedy lust
by first love.
The bones of angel wings
weary with work
and achievement.
The bones of angel wings
again stroked by loving hand
to free to other existence.
Folded tight inside;
Awaiting the time to burst forth;
Covered with the will to live;
Fighting with purpose
To hide amongst the living.
The angel wings freed to flight
from earth.

My life is for your convenience.
I pour your coffee
and wash your back.
Forgotten that I have a path.
When one time, it was your goal.
Now you soak me
With the simplicity
of your unimportant.
We drift in the Hell
of nonconsequential.
Chatting the same topics.
However, I can't stop,
because if I do
you will be gone from me.
This is what we have.
Trapped between what was
and just being.

Looked across at him;
Concentration firm;
Focused on ahead;
Blue eyes searching the page;
Almost done;
For me just a beginning;
Next phase alone;
Holding steady;
Not to compare;
Leaning forward for an easy time.
That never quite comes.
Dust floating the light
to fall in dark corners.
Trapped in the wait
For a better day.

Wouldn't it be a shame...
If Mother Teresa and Hilter
are in the same place.
Not to share his darkness.
Hopefully to share her light.
Perhaps, he was a sick man
Who needed to be healed.
He was a bad man
who needed to be stopped.
Maybe if they are in the same place,
She has helped him heal.
Wouldn't it be a shame...
For bad not to know
the kindness of good
to only see the weakness.
Wouldn't it be a shame...
For goodness never to have
the opportunity to heal.

Downtown in dark ballroom;
Empty but for two;
Dressed for the prom unattended;
Sixteen, in love.
Forbidden, but desired.
Music on the phone.
Protective chin resting on
Gently tilting head.
Eyes shut feeling the moment.
Forbidden, but not forgotten.
Belonging and loved.
Their own personal prom.

Out in the open.
So wrong,
so much hurt for all.
If I could **** it
all inside like air
making it
leave the earth,
I would.
Yet it is there,
pain for all,
for all to suffer.
Your mistake, but
I would take it
deep inside
if I could so
you no longer
felt its stain.

You saw, didn't you?
We weren't alone.
Just outside.
I called the cops.
Don't give me that look.
I make perfect sense.
On the camera.
Just look.
Why did they take you
in the room?
What did they say?
Don't give me that look.
I saw it all.
Its just right here.
On top the roof.
Beside the cars.
I'll try to sleep.

Not just a word,
Not just a feeling,
Vomiting words
Meaning more.
So much pain,
no hiding from a future
that seems so much
like a past --
Living worst fears repeated.

Hold it in your heart.
Close to those you love.
Have your pride.
Let it well inside.
Makes you strong.
Belief makes the difference.
Bravery wins allies.
Daunts your enemies.
Confuses the nonbelievers.
Please hold your ground.

Take to the streets;
Follow a higher law;
Never be a captor of wrong;
Don't be a victim of disorder;
History will be your guide.
Test your own conscience.
Use your own sense of justice.
Don't be led into disrespect
of your fellow human.
Love your freedom and
The God given free will.
Some leaders are no leaders
and stay hidden.
Other boldly mix
with their people
and hear the voices of their people.
The hidden have no conscience,
only self interest.

Thought I was old enough
To have fought for a place
in my profession,
but I wasn't.

I merely held a place
that other generations
had gained.

Said you like my hair color,
was it mine,
but it wasn't.

My colorist is just
really good and
I go often.

Its all just an illusion.
Made up of thoughts.
A careful smile,
A gentle, undeserving
Acceptance of credit
But I appreciate you.

Lift the bowl.
Drink it all in.
Dribble on the chin.
Push back up
Into your mouth.
Don't let a fulfilling drop
Leave your tongue.
Enjoy the passion
of the moment.
Slurp life's passion
with hungry delight.

Just outside the window
Sitting on a limb.
Legs dangling.
So many possibilities.
To shimmy to the bottom
Or cross to the window.
Possibilities inside
More interesting than out.
Surrounded by fresh green.
The bark imprinting my hands.
The full moon staring down
With curiosity about the next move.
To shimmy to the bottom
And walk without the dare.
To go inside and greet the fate.
Breezy night brushing
Leaves against my arms and face.
Not so bold so I go.
The moon gently laughing,
Guiding me home.
Chance will come again.
Just not now.

Today is empty.
Nothing in my heart.
No brew of emotion.
Love seems lost.
Waiting for a toss
of sweet gentle feeling
in my path.
So even.
Next week will bring a wave.
But nothing now.
Might as well sleep
as write.

The invite opens
For those who are young.
Please RSVP.
Youth without a guest.
Youth without a guess.
Occasion arises.
Warm fate stands ready.
Welcome for those
Who accept.
No going back,
only forward.
Table of options,
Accept the consequences.
Warm fate serves youth.

There you are.
Misdirected part of life.
You glide into demons.
Smile with lack of concern.
Tight smile, the sign.
You dance with reckless move;
You sing maniac thoughts;
You act with disregard.
Triple threat ******.
Release me from your show.

The joy in the bite;
Fighting out of corners;
Looking for the gentle hand to guide;
Where is the former self;
Lost in nothing;
Eating and sleeping are refuge.
Dreams make sense of a world
That no longer matters.
When will the departure happen.
Slowly drifting from most basic
To a lost world that has no cure.

You knew this was it.
There you are, still,
Subject of my quest.
Have come to know you
In and out.
Seeing scars as I make my own.
Leaving me to guess.
Silently giving.
There for me.
Generous person,
When done,
Dispatched.
The gift of knowing you
Lingers with me.

Don't just follow.
Put a thought in the path.
Might be a block.
Might be a bridge.
Don't forget the lesson
of a child to share.
Build mudge pies.
Lay bare your turtle heart.
Choose to listen.
Speak your point softly
once you've heard.
Maybe you'll win.
Maybe you'll lose.
Be yourself
Respect your group.
Let us not forget to share.
Appreciate the gift of others.
Sometimes choose me.
Promise to heal others.

Crisp leaves scrap the pavement
Just outside my window;
The freedom of travel at will
of God;
Me, hostage inside at work;
The dead leaves move;
The living me sits.
No equity in that.
Leaves dancing
And rattling with their own beat.
Me silent, listening.

Piled with trash of discontent;
Pushed aside with tired hand;
Grief uncovered;
Airing out all fears;
Allowing the blue in;
Wipe away debris of dark;
Opened eyes to light of forward.
Full of all concerns
Which have ever feared;
But underneath the weight crushes;
Atop you can gauge your foe.
Atop you may climb ahead.
Atop you may see a path.
Push aside the trash of discontent.

Sometimes life just smooths past.
All is set on the perfect course.
Nothing falls in awkward direction.
Humor runs from the corners like honey.
Love twists about with satisfaction.
To be charmed with such days is
To also know the wrong.
Life's trials make the charmed days
More intensely felt.

Just need to change it up;
Sit there and wait;
It won't be what you expect;
Don't hang up;
I just need to change;
Waited all year for your call;
Please don't go;
Put on my lipstick;
Put on on my heels;
Are you coming?
Did you hang up?
Do I hear that tone?
You said we would talk.
Why did you go?
Maybe next time.
Not such a change.

Never to your face.
Written in rhyme.
Shared by anonymous
No I never rhyme.
I share your wrong
in rhythm.
My heart bleeds in beat.
I don't ***** words from mouth.
They bleed from brain on paper.
Hoping you feel my paper cuts.

Tip my sunglasses;
Skim my hand across the blue;
Warm coconut bakes me;
The pages stick to my skin
Translucent with oil and water.
Print smears me.
A good book unread;
A good story unknown;
Lazy, hazy give a care.
Lost on a golden day.

A day in the bleak cold
Move forward with a pitch
Follow the music lift the foot
Dip back in the snow
Find a reason
Move forward with purpose,
Dip back to past delight.
Let the wind be your partner.
Holding you in a sway.
Fall forward and catch yourself
Lean back and right.
Winter movement upon the ice.
Finding no caution,
Only motion's delight.
Red cheeks and nose.
Bulky clothes.
Move forward to spring,
dip back to cold.

Miserable with snot
Eyes rolling with tears
With no emotion just water.
My nose is full as if I had
a good cry without cause.
My throat itches with abuse
of rough useless coughs.
Next week good health will
feel refreshing as I am freed
from this bitter fight with cold.
Don't stand near!
Oh, I know you wouldn't dare.
You are phobic of snot.
Me, too.
I oozes all the time.
I long for next week like a new love.

All watched as I answered;
They thought they knew;
It was the New Year;
The special call;
I cradled the phone
with both hands to my ear;
Caller who loved me;
They assumed it was one;
But it was the other.
The other who held me
More dear in his heart
Who could not be near;
The one who was supposed to call
Never called that New Year.
I kept the secret to myself.
I gave the one credit.
I kept the other to myself.
My parallel life smoothed past.

Little lady sit there still;
Never raise concern;
No skinned knees;
No challenge, please;
Watch life and learn;
Don't question, just observe;
Not a bother;
Soft spoken;
Hidden by the veil of shyness.
Think your own thoughts;
Dream your silent dreams;
Don't disappoint with rebellion.
Never let them see your thought.
Only share with God.
But the problem is  
once you are grown --
Life's a struggle with a battle
Never learned.
Only dreams and thoughts
of what should be.
Never knowing how it is truly done.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance in the kitchen;
Ginger and orange spring about the party.
The scents of holiday flood
and tumble past the kitchen.
Snowy clouds billow as the warmth
inside the house grows and glows.
Hearts are filled with thoughts of past
and candied future hopes.
The spice party glides and mixes with the mood.
Holiday punch to cover bitter thoughts.

Holly and mistletoe drape the halls.
Marriages held together with sticky frosting
like gingerbread houses awaiting the
resolutions of the first.
Families hold in place with anticipation.
First babies, first puppies, couple's first Christmas
adorn the trees as ornaments to be kept forever.
Children's hasty gifts made in kindergarten,
first grade, second grade decorate the tree
until fallen to bits unable to hang.
The short day comes with preparation
for the day of blessing and hope.
The short day comes  so quickly
and leaves so quietly,
we almost forget to feel.
But take a step away.
Before is the glory of all that can be.