21st
10-21
1
She can see no reaction
to her guarded attraction
perhaps while reading between the lines
she misinterpreted the signs
*sigh*
2
Awkward pauses
as the lights come up
check for messages
that aren’t there
root in the bottom of a bag
for nothing at all
It is easier to pretend
to have something to do
it is too hard to face
what is covered by the darkness
that sometimes being alone
does mean being lonely
3
Everyone would rather
I be discontent
sadly lament
the lack in my life
It would be easier for them
if I would cry and wail
instead of prevail
and make my own life
Can I not seize
the opportunity to please
myself, to become who I am
on my own terms?
Would it be such a shame
to lay hopeful claim
in a future that rests on
my shoulders alone?
4
When I was young
I wanted it all
Now that I have it
I’m overwhelmed
5
I think I’d miss you
even if we’d never met
6
I am afraid to see myself
through your eyes
And I cannot see you
through my own
Come now,
let’s remove the scales
try to reveal
a little more
and hide
a little less
with blinders on
we can look only
straight ahead
never seeing
what lurks in the corners
7
She says she hears him
in my voice
I can barely recall
the things he said
8
Do you believe
a place has a memory?
I hope this room
does not remember everything
If it cannot forgive
then perhaps forget
the things that have been
seen, screamed, thrown
Perhaps it can do
what hearts cannot
Perhaps it can
let go
9
I miss
the way it feels
to explore
the delicate place
where breath lives
and thoughts become
living word
I miss kissing
no one in particular
just the simple art
of making out
10
Under the magnolia tree
you told me all the things I could be
I wish you’d lived to see
me becoming me
