whatever you called it--
hyper-sensitivity,
hyper-reality,
or even a bad drug flashback--
it had finally gotten to him.
smoke-like wisps
emanating from someone's head,
lightning-like streaks
radiating from a moving hand--
it was all a bit too much.
he shook his head slowly
as he stood in silent appreciation
of a tear sliding down the face of a crying child--
a tear drop that more resembled
a gorgeous, liquid pearl than a tear.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Perception
creeping through somber woods
along the river at dusk,
i tried to swallow my fears.
within the close confines of rotted stumps
and drooping canopy of dying pine,
she often found me increasing
the energy of my grip –
grasping the frail skin of her hand or
holding her shirt sleeve –
lest something should appear,
appetite ready to devour me.
wild beasts peered from underneath
the carpet of molding pine needles,
wide bright eyes following my movement.
ears seemed to twitch with each misstep
as if hearing and identifying my fear.
legs fluttered and wiggled,
ready to jump out at me without
even a moment to scream.
“easy, child,” she smiled and said.
“those images aren’t real.
it’s just in your imagination.”
she toted me towards the beasts,
my hand now clutching hers
to hold on for dear life.
then i saw them – as if for the first time.
old logs and stumps had imposed
upon the confines of my fertile mind,
taking the shape of beasts.
their bright eyes – simple knots,
washed white by many hard rains.
their ears – fallen leaves from the dogwood,
stuck to the logs with mildew and slime.
and those legs, those fearsome creepy legs –
broken limbs bent at odd angles to tease.
a nervous laugh escaped my lips,
and i smiled at her old wrinkled face,
ready to continue on our way.
along the river at dusk,
i tried to swallow my fears.
within the close confines of rotted stumps
and drooping canopy of dying pine,
she often found me increasing
the energy of my grip –
grasping the frail skin of her hand or
holding her shirt sleeve –
lest something should appear,
appetite ready to devour me.
wild beasts peered from underneath
the carpet of molding pine needles,
wide bright eyes following my movement.
ears seemed to twitch with each misstep
as if hearing and identifying my fear.
legs fluttered and wiggled,
ready to jump out at me without
even a moment to scream.
“easy, child,” she smiled and said.
“those images aren’t real.
it’s just in your imagination.”
she toted me towards the beasts,
my hand now clutching hers
to hold on for dear life.
then i saw them – as if for the first time.
old logs and stumps had imposed
upon the confines of my fertile mind,
taking the shape of beasts.
their bright eyes – simple knots,
washed white by many hard rains.
their ears – fallen leaves from the dogwood,
stuck to the logs with mildew and slime.
and those legs, those fearsome creepy legs –
broken limbs bent at odd angles to tease.
a nervous laugh escaped my lips,
and i smiled at her old wrinkled face,
ready to continue on our way.
Nightmare
awaken with a jolt as the world comes crashing down
i run from the comfort and safety of my sheltered soul
running fast… faster… faster yet…
running from the threat to my quiet complacency
the corner turns and i stop up short,
confronted face to face by my demons.
whirling, thrashing, fighting just to break free –
biting, scratching, hoping to find a soft spot –
praying, pleading, down on my knees
for the madness to fully retreat
wishing for a coherent thought that will
help me escape from this oddity.
a gentle shake, a soft caress, a feather of a whisper –
these seem out of place in this cruel house of horror;
i tremble, fearing the next touch to be pain.
yet, the next touch is soft, compassionate –
a voice pulling me from the depths –
out of the blinding nightmare that’s captured me.
i run from the comfort and safety of my sheltered soul
running fast… faster… faster yet…
running from the threat to my quiet complacency
the corner turns and i stop up short,
confronted face to face by my demons.
whirling, thrashing, fighting just to break free –
biting, scratching, hoping to find a soft spot –
praying, pleading, down on my knees
for the madness to fully retreat
wishing for a coherent thought that will
help me escape from this oddity.
a gentle shake, a soft caress, a feather of a whisper –
these seem out of place in this cruel house of horror;
i tremble, fearing the next touch to be pain.
yet, the next touch is soft, compassionate –
a voice pulling me from the depths –
out of the blinding nightmare that’s captured me.
The Monkey
a cold gust of wind rose,
blowing a long, low moan
through the old, rusty gutter.
he shivered and turned to go.
that’s when he saw it—
the large cartoon eyes;
the tarnished, broken symbols;
that toothy, maniacal grin.
that grin!
he had seen that grin,
once comforting and comical,
in his nightmares.
now, face to face with this childhood toy,
that grin was no longer welcoming.
it said, “Welcome home, Johnny.”
at the same time, that grin—
that innocent-looking grin—
had also said,
“prepare to die.”
blowing a long, low moan
through the old, rusty gutter.
he shivered and turned to go.
that’s when he saw it—
the large cartoon eyes;
the tarnished, broken symbols;
that toothy, maniacal grin.
that grin!
he had seen that grin,
once comforting and comical,
in his nightmares.
now, face to face with this childhood toy,
that grin was no longer welcoming.
it said, “Welcome home, Johnny.”
at the same time, that grin—
that innocent-looking grin—
had also said,
“prepare to die.”
A Momentary Peace
he walked--
walked for miles in
that devilish heat and humidity.
he walked until
his legs were nothing more than
rubber bands
and his heart raced as if
it would explode.
he relished these walks--
relished them mostly because
of the way his head would swim
and his ear would ring,
sometimes ringing so loudly
it drowned out the
agonizing,
tortuously slow
ticking of the
death watch.
walked for miles in
that devilish heat and humidity.
he walked until
his legs were nothing more than
rubber bands
and his heart raced as if
it would explode.
he relished these walks--
relished them mostly because
of the way his head would swim
and his ear would ring,
sometimes ringing so loudly
it drowned out the
agonizing,
tortuously slow
ticking of the
death watch.
Life and Death
the imposing site rose
out of the middle of nowhere.
it appeared to be a building,
a building made of dark,
sot coloured stone
and surrounded by a field of
bight red roses—
roses so bright and
alive they seemed almost
otherworldly.
she had entered the building,
not exactly sure where she was
or what she was doing there.
the cold stone seemed to breathe
and pulse as if it were alive.
she glanced about at the
strange beings walking around
as if this was any other ordinary day.
her body tingled and began
to shimmer with an unknown force.
she felt herself rising
as if her body had
dissolved to mist—
rising higher and higher.
she shuddered as on of the
odd passersby walked through her.
still, she rose,
floating higher until
she reached the roof
of this wondrous building.
the night was clear…
moonless…
gorgeous.
stars glittered across the
arc of the sky in an
extravagant, misty sprawl of light.
the warm wind was blowing,
blowing ferociously hard,
but she could not feel it.
gazing out at this
beautiful starscape,
she became aware of
the pinkening dawn sky.
time seemed to pass
faster at this level.
marveling in the coming day,
that was when she spied it.
the looming, inky death bag
hovering over the edge of the city.
out of the middle of nowhere.
it appeared to be a building,
a building made of dark,
sot coloured stone
and surrounded by a field of
bight red roses—
roses so bright and
alive they seemed almost
otherworldly.
she had entered the building,
not exactly sure where she was
or what she was doing there.
the cold stone seemed to breathe
and pulse as if it were alive.
she glanced about at the
strange beings walking around
as if this was any other ordinary day.
her body tingled and began
to shimmer with an unknown force.
she felt herself rising
as if her body had
dissolved to mist—
rising higher and higher.
she shuddered as on of the
odd passersby walked through her.
still, she rose,
floating higher until
she reached the roof
of this wondrous building.
the night was clear…
moonless…
gorgeous.
stars glittered across the
arc of the sky in an
extravagant, misty sprawl of light.
the warm wind was blowing,
blowing ferociously hard,
but she could not feel it.
gazing out at this
beautiful starscape,
she became aware of
the pinkening dawn sky.
time seemed to pass
faster at this level.
marveling in the coming day,
that was when she spied it.
the looming, inky death bag
hovering over the edge of the city.
Human Energy
human energy—
boundless. limitless.
to drain all the energy
in one person’s aura…
from the very depths of their soul…
would be like a child
trying to drain the pacific ocean
with a small, plastic bucket.
boundless. limitless.
to drain all the energy
in one person’s aura…
from the very depths of their soul…
would be like a child
trying to drain the pacific ocean
with a small, plastic bucket.
Horrid Visions
he slipped his hand
through the oil slick of an aura.
the jolt as he broke through
sent him into a total panic.
his normally electric blue aura
turned an angry mixture of
blood red and deathly black.
the look on his face was
one of terror and loathing.
he screamed and
pulled his hand back
as if burned by a
white-hot flame
and attempted to contemplate
the horrid images he had seen.
through the oil slick of an aura.
the jolt as he broke through
sent him into a total panic.
his normally electric blue aura
turned an angry mixture of
blood red and deathly black.
the look on his face was
one of terror and loathing.
he screamed and
pulled his hand back
as if burned by a
white-hot flame
and attempted to contemplate
the horrid images he had seen.
An Enveloping Death
it looked like bugs—
nightmarish, black, writhing bugs—
crawling out of her eyes, mouth, and nose.
but it wasn’t bugs at all—
it was a black, fog-like balloon
enveloping the small creature.
he peered out at the one responsible for
this horrid image,
a balding man wearing a dirty smock,
and swore to get even
as the balloon-like shadow
enveloped its prey.
nightmarish, black, writhing bugs—
crawling out of her eyes, mouth, and nose.
but it wasn’t bugs at all—
it was a black, fog-like balloon
enveloping the small creature.
he peered out at the one responsible for
this horrid image,
a balding man wearing a dirty smock,
and swore to get even
as the balloon-like shadow
enveloped its prey.
Degeneration
the glow of the light was there,
although dim and distant.
he slowly turned towards
the mirror to see the damage.
“losing cohesion,” he mumbled,
shrinking away from the sight that stared at him.
his skin was degenerating,
rotting at an excruciating pace.
his soft tissue was breaking down,
giving his face a droopy, puddled look.
his teeth seemed loose,
as if they could fall out at any moment.
and the sores—red patches
laced with dead, white skin.
the sores now covered
his face, neck, and arms.
it seemed as if he was de-evolving,
his skin falling off his bones.
although dim and distant.
he slowly turned towards
the mirror to see the damage.
“losing cohesion,” he mumbled,
shrinking away from the sight that stared at him.
his skin was degenerating,
rotting at an excruciating pace.
his soft tissue was breaking down,
giving his face a droopy, puddled look.
his teeth seemed loose,
as if they could fall out at any moment.
and the sores—red patches
laced with dead, white skin.
the sores now covered
his face, neck, and arms.
it seemed as if he was de-evolving,
his skin falling off his bones.
Carnival
dimly light and shrouded in shadows,
you could only see the outlines —
vague and blurred —
of the thrill rides.
but you could hear them —
the horrifying screams of
patrons who feared for their lives.
along the midway, carnies called out,
trying to get some sucker’s attention
to come play a game of chance
(“two games for a dollar,” they cried),
as a dilapidated old calliope
blared “the funeral march” for all to hear.
with false smiles plastered on
their grotesque lips and terror
shining in their small, misshapen eyes,
the denizens of freak alley
could do nothing but
stare out at you in pity.
and those souls —
those poor souls lost in the house of mirrors —
were gone…
lost for all of eternity
at this monstrosity,
this carnival of lost souls.
you could only see the outlines —
vague and blurred —
of the thrill rides.
but you could hear them —
the horrifying screams of
patrons who feared for their lives.
along the midway, carnies called out,
trying to get some sucker’s attention
to come play a game of chance
(“two games for a dollar,” they cried),
as a dilapidated old calliope
blared “the funeral march” for all to hear.
with false smiles plastered on
their grotesque lips and terror
shining in their small, misshapen eyes,
the denizens of freak alley
could do nothing but
stare out at you in pity.
and those souls —
those poor souls lost in the house of mirrors —
were gone…
lost for all of eternity
at this monstrosity,
this carnival of lost souls.
Buried Alive
tracks?
whose tracks?
there was the deep impression
of a very large shoe in the
pile of dirt closest to the hole.
not only was there some
footprints
but also a circular dimple
almost the size of a
dinner plate.
and grooves!
grooves shaped exactly
like fingernail claw marks,
inside the walls and
immediately around the grave site.
the roots in the hole were torn…
twisted…
frayed…
as if someone had dug
himself out of his grave.
whose tracks?
there was the deep impression
of a very large shoe in the
pile of dirt closest to the hole.
not only was there some
footprints
but also a circular dimple
almost the size of a
dinner plate.
and grooves!
grooves shaped exactly
like fingernail claw marks,
inside the walls and
immediately around the grave site.
the roots in the hole were torn…
twisted…
frayed…
as if someone had dug
himself out of his grave.
Back Where You Belong
the squalling of birds
drowned out all other noise.
the ground was black
for miles…
covered with the live bodies
of thousands of sparrows.
psychopomps—
that’s what his professor
had called them—
harbingers of the dead.
the wind start to moan,
and those sparrows—
all 79,505 of them—
took to the air at once,
the beating of their wings
a steady drone and
the outlines of their bodies
darkening the sky,
blocking the noon sun,
turning day to night.
they crashed through the
east wall of the house,
flying straight for the
husk of the man,
lying on the floor.
they picked up the body,
still alive and now screaming,
by the loose puddles of
skin hanging from his limbs and
carried him back to hell.
drowned out all other noise.
the ground was black
for miles…
covered with the live bodies
of thousands of sparrows.
psychopomps—
that’s what his professor
had called them—
harbingers of the dead.
the wind start to moan,
and those sparrows—
all 79,505 of them—
took to the air at once,
the beating of their wings
a steady drone and
the outlines of their bodies
darkening the sky,
blocking the noon sun,
turning day to night.
they crashed through the
east wall of the house,
flying straight for the
husk of the man,
lying on the floor.
they picked up the body,
still alive and now screaming,
by the loose puddles of
skin hanging from his limbs and
carried him back to hell.
Chemical Party
chemical party – reeks of stale smoke and
cheap booze mixed with musty sex
trails of ruby red and diamond white
race past, floating on the air
fireworks flash and bang –
behind closed eyes they do not go away
pulse pounds, heart beats –
your hell and your dream
night is your companion – a goddess on her knees
maybe, an angel underneath
slips inside to violate, desecrate –
she comes and goes like no one can
be her angel now – be her all
take her anyway you can
sexy machine – jingaling from here to the ceiling
inside, reeling, so fresh and clean
leather and lace smiles in her special way-
playing games is part of human nature
sooner or later it comes down to fate –
struck by lightning, who here would feel it?
a stolen kiss – minty fresh dip breath –
colors of a cowboy’s cliché
you broke apart your insides –
lost in the walls of another world
chemical party – deep within the night
are we havin’ fun yet?
pour yourself into a cab because
the world shines for you today.
cheap booze mixed with musty sex
trails of ruby red and diamond white
race past, floating on the air
fireworks flash and bang –
behind closed eyes they do not go away
pulse pounds, heart beats –
your hell and your dream
night is your companion – a goddess on her knees
maybe, an angel underneath
slips inside to violate, desecrate –
she comes and goes like no one can
be her angel now – be her all
take her anyway you can
sexy machine – jingaling from here to the ceiling
inside, reeling, so fresh and clean
leather and lace smiles in her special way-
playing games is part of human nature
sooner or later it comes down to fate –
struck by lightning, who here would feel it?
a stolen kiss – minty fresh dip breath –
colors of a cowboy’s cliché
you broke apart your insides –
lost in the walls of another world
chemical party – deep within the night
are we havin’ fun yet?
pour yourself into a cab because
the world shines for you today.
Why?
why?
why can’t you see
what you’re doing to me?
why do you keep
my heart on a chain?
why do you pull me to you
just as I set myself free?
why can’t you see
what you’re doing to me?
why?
why can’t you see
what you’re doing to me?
why do you keep
my heart on a chain?
why do you pull me to you
just as I set myself free?
why can’t you see
what you’re doing to me?
why?
Where Did You Come From?
where did you come from?
you weren’t here just a moment ago –
oh, i know we’ve passed this way
a time or two or three…
we’ve even said hello and
maybe even talked for a while…
but where did you come from?
a moment ago, this room was
dark, cold, and lonely…
i was feeling at my worst…
my head hung low with despair;
the night was closing in around me,
tightening its grasp on my throat
like a strangle meant for death.
so, i ask again, just where did you come from?
one moment, i’m on the verge of tears…
then you showed up in my life…
nothing special, just popped by for a chat –
but then, when did we stop by just
for a little chat in all the years
that have gone by?
where did you come from?
you blew into my life like a
the blast from a force-5 tornado –
ripping apart my senses and
shattering my sensibilities…
keeping me so totally enthralled
and returning to this space night after night.
so, i ask, where did you come from?
a moment ago, there was nothing but
the cool, quiet dark, and my despair…
and now, there is a feeling of peace,
warmth… and… something else –
something else left unnamed…
so where did you come from?
and how did i get so lucky?
you weren’t here just a moment ago –
oh, i know we’ve passed this way
a time or two or three…
we’ve even said hello and
maybe even talked for a while…
but where did you come from?
a moment ago, this room was
dark, cold, and lonely…
i was feeling at my worst…
my head hung low with despair;
the night was closing in around me,
tightening its grasp on my throat
like a strangle meant for death.
so, i ask again, just where did you come from?
one moment, i’m on the verge of tears…
then you showed up in my life…
nothing special, just popped by for a chat –
but then, when did we stop by just
for a little chat in all the years
that have gone by?
where did you come from?
you blew into my life like a
the blast from a force-5 tornado –
ripping apart my senses and
shattering my sensibilities…
keeping me so totally enthralled
and returning to this space night after night.
so, i ask, where did you come from?
a moment ago, there was nothing but
the cool, quiet dark, and my despair…
and now, there is a feeling of peace,
warmth… and… something else –
something else left unnamed…
so where did you come from?
and how did i get so lucky?
What Might Have Been...
i turned around,
and there you were.
it was as if time had stood still.
your eyes were still sparkling like
the diamonds i had remembered,
and your laughter was still as beautiful
as the loveliest italian aria.
you touched my hand,
so lightly most wouldn’t notice,
and i shivered—
still as attracted to you now.
then i noticed the ring—
your wedding ring—
shining on your hand.
making my excuses,
i ran out of there
before you could see my tears…
but i couldn’t help but think of
what might have been.
and there you were.
it was as if time had stood still.
your eyes were still sparkling like
the diamonds i had remembered,
and your laughter was still as beautiful
as the loveliest italian aria.
you touched my hand,
so lightly most wouldn’t notice,
and i shivered—
still as attracted to you now.
then i noticed the ring—
your wedding ring—
shining on your hand.
making my excuses,
i ran out of there
before you could see my tears…
but i couldn’t help but think of
what might have been.
Watching
and here i sit, staring at you, though you don’t know it’s me…
biding my time til i can find the words to let you know –
let you know just how much you mean to me…
here i sit, watching you – from afar … never coming near…
holding in the flood that threatens to well up over the dam –
the flood in which my soul resides…
and yet i sit, watching you and feeling as if you’re watching me –
but how can that possibly be?
i've never told you that it’s me.
biding my time til i can find the words to let you know –
let you know just how much you mean to me…
here i sit, watching you – from afar … never coming near…
holding in the flood that threatens to well up over the dam –
the flood in which my soul resides…
and yet i sit, watching you and feeling as if you’re watching me –
but how can that possibly be?
i've never told you that it’s me.
Untitled Musing
life races on, hurriedly pushing us forward –
towards who only knows what?
racing, never slowing, until the end of days –
until we meet our final destiny.
dreams of that life to come sustain us…
keep us afloat when the misery and miasma
of that which is the rat race
would threaten to drown us in its gloom.
who of us can say we’ve lived?
which of us can throw that first stone,
surrounded by walls of a glass house,
pointing an accusatory finger?
towards who only knows what?
racing, never slowing, until the end of days –
until we meet our final destiny.
dreams of that life to come sustain us…
keep us afloat when the misery and miasma
of that which is the rat race
would threaten to drown us in its gloom.
who of us can say we’ve lived?
which of us can throw that first stone,
surrounded by walls of a glass house,
pointing an accusatory finger?
Untitled Emotional Musing
looking around, a comfortable feeling settles –
the old faces and names swirl in and out of the fog
like beacons on an endless midnight ocean
that somehow managed to burn.
dancing in and out of my life, always there
just beyond my reach – just out of my sight…
a kindred spirit feeling lost and alone
not knowing which turn to take.
crossing the years and the tears,
we wound up in this space and time –
neither of us quite knowing what
our next move should be.
so, look deeply into in my eyes -
let’s get lost tonight in each other and
share those whispered secrets
we know so well one more time.
we’ve started a story whose end must not wait –
the curtains still dance with the wind and the sky
as music softens until it was only an underscoring
of the movements between our two hearts
your voice - silken threads softly whispered
in the small hours of the night into
a waiting ear and an ever trembling heart –
spending one more night alone.
alone?
how can that be when you were just here –
your fingertips just caressing my face as
your words play my heart like an aria.
so please tell me - when will our eyes meet?
when can finally i touch you?
when will this strong yearning end?
everything inside of me is wanting you and needing you
the old faces and names swirl in and out of the fog
like beacons on an endless midnight ocean
that somehow managed to burn.
dancing in and out of my life, always there
just beyond my reach – just out of my sight…
a kindred spirit feeling lost and alone
not knowing which turn to take.
crossing the years and the tears,
we wound up in this space and time –
neither of us quite knowing what
our next move should be.
so, look deeply into in my eyes -
let’s get lost tonight in each other and
share those whispered secrets
we know so well one more time.
we’ve started a story whose end must not wait –
the curtains still dance with the wind and the sky
as music softens until it was only an underscoring
of the movements between our two hearts
your voice - silken threads softly whispered
in the small hours of the night into
a waiting ear and an ever trembling heart –
spending one more night alone.
alone?
how can that be when you were just here –
your fingertips just caressing my face as
your words play my heart like an aria.
so please tell me - when will our eyes meet?
when can finally i touch you?
when will this strong yearning end?
everything inside of me is wanting you and needing you
Turning to You
in the quiet of the evenin’,
i find my thoughts turning to you…
i swore they wouldn’t this time – not after the last.
if i could just find way to still these emotions,
i know i could last until dawn …
in the deep, dark quiet of midnight,
i find my thoughts turning to you…
i see your smile and the warmth in your eyes,
floating through the pages of my mind,
and my resolve is slipping away…
in the quiet of dawn’s coming,
i find my thoughts turning to you…
your voice slips down my spine like a warm current,
and i smile at just the thought of your name…
what am i going do…
in the quiet of morning’s light,
i find my thoughts turning to you…
hurt so bad before that i had closed completely down,
but you found a way in … into my mind, my heart, my soul…
when i swore i wouldn’t let you…
in the quiet of the afternoon,
i find my thoughts turning to you…
i can no longer deny the way you have touched my life
and how i yearn to touch yours… touch yours in a way
i never wanted to touch another before…
in the quiet of the evenin’,
i find my thoughts turning to you…
i finally admit it – you’ve got me, whatever may come…
my soul is free to soar again above the highest heights,
and it’s all because of you that my heart has taken wings…
yes, when all is said and done,
i find my thoughts turning to you…
i find my thoughts turning to you…
i swore they wouldn’t this time – not after the last.
if i could just find way to still these emotions,
i know i could last until dawn …
in the deep, dark quiet of midnight,
i find my thoughts turning to you…
i see your smile and the warmth in your eyes,
floating through the pages of my mind,
and my resolve is slipping away…
in the quiet of dawn’s coming,
i find my thoughts turning to you…
your voice slips down my spine like a warm current,
and i smile at just the thought of your name…
what am i going do…
in the quiet of morning’s light,
i find my thoughts turning to you…
hurt so bad before that i had closed completely down,
but you found a way in … into my mind, my heart, my soul…
when i swore i wouldn’t let you…
in the quiet of the afternoon,
i find my thoughts turning to you…
i can no longer deny the way you have touched my life
and how i yearn to touch yours… touch yours in a way
i never wanted to touch another before…
in the quiet of the evenin’,
i find my thoughts turning to you…
i finally admit it – you’ve got me, whatever may come…
my soul is free to soar again above the highest heights,
and it’s all because of you that my heart has taken wings…
yes, when all is said and done,
i find my thoughts turning to you…
There You Are
the nights are long, dark and bleak –
loneliness threatening to swallow me,
drowning me in sorrows.
but there you are.
surrounded in shades of blue and
cloaked in the hollow sound of
my own voice.
but there you are.
all at once feeling alone in the mire
yet not as alone as I thought –
a like mind sharing the darkness.
and there you are.
thoughts of soft spring nights,
gently lulled by the creaking of
an old porch swing.
and there you are.
arms stretched out towards you,
yet never quite reaching
across time and distance.
but there you are.
voices travel the phone lines,
enclosing a heart with warmth
while emphasizing the loneliness.
and there you are.
through time, space, and distance –
keeping company through the
wee hours of dawn.
there you are.
loneliness threatening to swallow me,
drowning me in sorrows.
but there you are.
surrounded in shades of blue and
cloaked in the hollow sound of
my own voice.
but there you are.
all at once feeling alone in the mire
yet not as alone as I thought –
a like mind sharing the darkness.
and there you are.
thoughts of soft spring nights,
gently lulled by the creaking of
an old porch swing.
and there you are.
arms stretched out towards you,
yet never quite reaching
across time and distance.
but there you are.
voices travel the phone lines,
enclosing a heart with warmth
while emphasizing the loneliness.
and there you are.
through time, space, and distance –
keeping company through the
wee hours of dawn.
there you are.
Symphony for the Senses
earth, wind, rain, passion –
the scent awakens the senses
and inflames the blood
feather soft, just ever so light –
the touch reaches deep into
a guarded soul
reflections, star light, falling leaves –
the sights assault the mind and
free your inner passions
damp chill, fresh grass, dew –
the taste tickles as it touches
the very tip of your tongue
crackling, whistling, chirping –
the sounds play a mystical symphony
just for two
walking along the path towards
home, hand and hand,
feeling content and safe
the scent awakens the senses
and inflames the blood
feather soft, just ever so light –
the touch reaches deep into
a guarded soul
reflections, star light, falling leaves –
the sights assault the mind and
free your inner passions
damp chill, fresh grass, dew –
the taste tickles as it touches
the very tip of your tongue
crackling, whistling, chirping –
the sounds play a mystical symphony
just for two
walking along the path towards
home, hand and hand,
feeling content and safe
Surprise
the look on her face said it all.
her eyes were wide—
her mouth agape.
she could feel her heart
pounding in her chest.
the blood rushed from her head,
leaving her dizzy and giddy.
she sat back hard,
not feeling anything but
the numbing of shock that
stems from such a great
surprise.
her eyes were wide—
her mouth agape.
she could feel her heart
pounding in her chest.
the blood rushed from her head,
leaving her dizzy and giddy.
she sat back hard,
not feeling anything but
the numbing of shock that
stems from such a great
surprise.
Sunset, Sunrise
the sun sets on two lonely souls
feeling the tortured pain of a
past gone wrong.
as the fiery flames of day
extinguish into the darkness of night,
they weep, mourning love lost.
the sun rises on two people,
filled with renewed hope.
their souls join, bringing peace to the
chaotic pain of the past.
as the moon's silvery rays give way
to the sun's fiery flames,
they smile, dreaming of a future together.
feeling the tortured pain of a
past gone wrong.
as the fiery flames of day
extinguish into the darkness of night,
they weep, mourning love lost.
the sun rises on two people,
filled with renewed hope.
their souls join, bringing peace to the
chaotic pain of the past.
as the moon's silvery rays give way
to the sun's fiery flames,
they smile, dreaming of a future together.
Sunset, Sunrise
the sun sets on two lonely souls
feeling the tortured pain of a
past gone wrong.
as the fiery flames of day
extinguish into the darkness of night,
they weep, mourning love lost.
the sun rises on two people,
filled with renewed hope.
their souls join, bringing peace to the
chaotic pain of the past.
as the moon's silvery rays give way
to the sun's fiery flames,
they smile, dreaming of a future together.
feeling the tortured pain of a
past gone wrong.
as the fiery flames of day
extinguish into the darkness of night,
they weep, mourning love lost.
the sun rises on two people,
filled with renewed hope.
their souls join, bringing peace to the
chaotic pain of the past.
as the moon's silvery rays give way
to the sun's fiery flames,
they smile, dreaming of a future together.
Staring at the Clock
staring at the clock,
hearing each little tic
resound inside my head.
sitting here, waiting
wondering where you might be
tonight.
wondering what you’re doing –
what you’re thinking…
are you alone?
staring at the clock,
feeling myself slip
inexorably into desperation.
consoling myself with
a bottle of bacardi and
a pack of marlboros.
staring at the phone,
wishing for life,
willing it to ring.
staring at the clock
marking each minute
with a slash upon my arm.
wondering
waiting
wishing
wondering why you had to leave –
leave me here alone,
to worship your memory.
staring at the clock,
coming closer to oblivion
with each passing second.
hearing each little tic
resound inside my head.
sitting here, waiting
wondering where you might be
tonight.
wondering what you’re doing –
what you’re thinking…
are you alone?
staring at the clock,
feeling myself slip
inexorably into desperation.
consoling myself with
a bottle of bacardi and
a pack of marlboros.
staring at the phone,
wishing for life,
willing it to ring.
staring at the clock
marking each minute
with a slash upon my arm.
wondering
waiting
wishing
wondering why you had to leave –
leave me here alone,
to worship your memory.
staring at the clock,
coming closer to oblivion
with each passing second.
Soul-Wrenching Yearning
looking around, a comfortable feeling settles –
the old faces and names swirl in and out of the fog
like beacons on an endless midnight ocean
that somehow managed to burn.
dancing in and out of my life, always there
just beyond my reach – just out of my sight…
a kindred spirit feeling lost and alone
not knowing which turn to take.
crossing the years and the tears,
we wound up in this space and time –
neither of us quite knowing what
our next move should be.
so, look deeply into my eyes -
let’s get lost tonight in each other and
share those whispered secrets
we know so well one more time.
we’ve started a story whose end must not wait –
the curtains still dance with the wind and the sky
as music softens until it was only an underscoring
of the movements between our two hearts
your voice - silken threads softly whispered
in the small hours of the night into
a waiting ear and an ever trembling heart –
spending one more night alone.
alone?
how can that be when you were just here –
your fingertips just caressing my face as
your words play my heart like an aria.
so please tell me - when will our eyes meet?
when can finally i touch you?
when will this strong yearning end?
everything inside of me is wanting you and needing you
the old faces and names swirl in and out of the fog
like beacons on an endless midnight ocean
that somehow managed to burn.
dancing in and out of my life, always there
just beyond my reach – just out of my sight…
a kindred spirit feeling lost and alone
not knowing which turn to take.
crossing the years and the tears,
we wound up in this space and time –
neither of us quite knowing what
our next move should be.
so, look deeply into my eyes -
let’s get lost tonight in each other and
share those whispered secrets
we know so well one more time.
we’ve started a story whose end must not wait –
the curtains still dance with the wind and the sky
as music softens until it was only an underscoring
of the movements between our two hearts
your voice - silken threads softly whispered
in the small hours of the night into
a waiting ear and an ever trembling heart –
spending one more night alone.
alone?
how can that be when you were just here –
your fingertips just caressing my face as
your words play my heart like an aria.
so please tell me - when will our eyes meet?
when can finally i touch you?
when will this strong yearning end?
everything inside of me is wanting you and needing you
Reverence
a nocturnal visit -
within that small piece of the night,
they could both pretend...
they could ride the heart of a whirlwind,
secured in place with a rope
braided from the dreams of trees
the heart has its reasons -
reasons whereof reason knows nothing
she was drowning in their need
yet alone in a fragment...
a fragment of nothingness
beneath the mysterious black vault of velvet skies
perfection of dignity and virtue
lay in a corona of clouds
gathered about her head -
perfectly silhouetted against the moon,
her beauty lay in far more
than the outward description
the radiance of her smile
was as tangible as a soft breeze,
and it melted his cold heart
shadows swirling in crystal,
his voice trembled
like the dying aspen leaf
eyes flamed with hunger...
desire...
triumph...
as her hair tore free -
whipping about her face
like medusa's snakes
in moonlight, she was marble and shadow
and he knelt before her,
drowning himself
in a thick puddle of fog -
a lifetime since he'd laughed;
an eternity since he'd cried.
he whispered her name -
a voice so close to silence
one must strain to hear it -
and his eyes drank her down
like a bracing tot
of hot gin
the moment was sacrosanct,
and shadows caressed them reverently,
like sycophantic demons...
and a pure white light
spread like winter ice
over the darkness.
within that small piece of the night,
they could both pretend...
they could ride the heart of a whirlwind,
secured in place with a rope
braided from the dreams of trees
the heart has its reasons -
reasons whereof reason knows nothing
she was drowning in their need
yet alone in a fragment...
a fragment of nothingness
beneath the mysterious black vault of velvet skies
perfection of dignity and virtue
lay in a corona of clouds
gathered about her head -
perfectly silhouetted against the moon,
her beauty lay in far more
than the outward description
the radiance of her smile
was as tangible as a soft breeze,
and it melted his cold heart
shadows swirling in crystal,
his voice trembled
like the dying aspen leaf
eyes flamed with hunger...
desire...
triumph...
as her hair tore free -
whipping about her face
like medusa's snakes
in moonlight, she was marble and shadow
and he knelt before her,
drowning himself
in a thick puddle of fog -
a lifetime since he'd laughed;
an eternity since he'd cried.
he whispered her name -
a voice so close to silence
one must strain to hear it -
and his eyes drank her down
like a bracing tot
of hot gin
the moment was sacrosanct,
and shadows caressed them reverently,
like sycophantic demons...
and a pure white light
spread like winter ice
over the darkness.
Remember My Love
He looked in her eyes,
Finally seeing the light.
The warmth of her love
Had made everything all right.
He drew her close
For love’s first kiss
And whispered in her ear,
“Please remember this.
At the end of the day
When you’re feeling low,
Just remember this night
And our love will grow.
When you’re feeling defeated
Like no one’s cared for a while,
Just remember my love
To renew your smile.”
Finally seeing the light.
The warmth of her love
Had made everything all right.
He drew her close
For love’s first kiss
And whispered in her ear,
“Please remember this.
At the end of the day
When you’re feeling low,
Just remember this night
And our love will grow.
When you’re feeling defeated
Like no one’s cared for a while,
Just remember my love
To renew your smile.”
Realization
a vivid rainbow of understanding
suddenly lit in his consciousness.
in its glow, he saw something
immense…
something so large and wonderful
it seemed unquestionable…
preordained.
he turned to face her and
found her bathed in an
ethereal, pale yellow glow.
it transformed the once
plain and dowdy woman
into a creature of almost
unbearable beauty.
she is eos, goddess of the dawn,
he thought.
she is truly beautiful,
and i have fallen in love
with her in this very instant.
i’m so in love with her
it feels as if i’m drowning.
suddenly lit in his consciousness.
in its glow, he saw something
immense…
something so large and wonderful
it seemed unquestionable…
preordained.
he turned to face her and
found her bathed in an
ethereal, pale yellow glow.
it transformed the once
plain and dowdy woman
into a creature of almost
unbearable beauty.
she is eos, goddess of the dawn,
he thought.
she is truly beautiful,
and i have fallen in love
with her in this very instant.
i’m so in love with her
it feels as if i’m drowning.
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