Sometimes when we are in a store
I like to meander away some distance 
So I can watch you, be You
The version that none of us get
On the regular day to day
When you think no one you know 
Is around or cares to look 
That will always be the You I crave.

Inspired by the painting A Child’s Dream of Parents with More Time by Mia Koch.

In the view of it all, there is nothing but
love, how can it be anything but love?
Child on the shoulders, excited, points
the birds soar in a bright blue sky,
two, a mated pair. Two holding hands.
Blue reflects the calmness of being
they shared, sacred moment in time
remembered by the ocean waves
and the reminiscence that comes
with growing up, loved,
how can you be anything but loved?

messes
 piles 
  organized
         kinda
generational baggage
    stuff 
things
   do the trinkets even matter?
i don’t want my kids to have to deal with it all
  stashed in closets
divided in hanging folders
    folded in drawers

where do i start?

sunset strikes lancet
windows of trunks and branches
glazing the grass gold

*

golden glimmers swirl
above black-green leaves of corn
whispering in awe 

Trails of little ducklings…
one following the other,
to the stage,
to the limelight. 

It is your moment.
Little ducks.
If I could kiss the corners of your caps
and straighten out your gowns
I would. 

But it is your moment.
I will sit up in the rafters
inhaling arena dust,
and watch the little ducks
go two by two
out on their own.
And I am so
so proud.

sometimes
after a long drink
there’s the burning 
lungs, tongues, and lips

just enough

we were armed
with water and herbs
prayers

they crept in silent shadows
gleaming
silver slivers of shame
for teeth

whispering 

the beads click and slither
through fingers
mouth moving memorized

slipping deeper
into
sleep

Call me when there’s two lines
and Call me when there’s one
Call me when the days wind down
and you think you’re finally done

Call me when your gran passes,
and your grandad follows suit
Call me when you find his glasses
and there’s nothing you can do

Call me when you’re in the car
after a long, hard day at work
when your wheels are pointed toward the bar
and you’re sick of feeling hurt

Call me when your dad’s depressed
And your mom is out the door
Call me when you’re in duress 
And your heart is on the floor

She called me from under the bed
I stopped calling all the time
But I can’t now that she is dead
And I’ll keep living with this crime

Write for fifteen minutes a day.
Drink at least one gallon of water.
Flood yourself with it.
Walk ten thousand steps.
Have a career you love,
and don’t worry
about the money.
Make enough money to live
comfortably. Keep up
with current events.
Think correct thoughts
about those events.
Call your mom.
Read the classics.
Spend more time
with your children.
Learn a new skill.
Jetski. Skateboard. Piano.
Enjoy yourself a little!
Kiss your partner, passionately,
at least six seconds per day.
Unplug. Keep in touch.
Find time for yourself.
Find time to make peace
with all that is
and cannot be.