Of envy, I know this -
If I wish to attract the gaze
of the one I love
I do not mill around
in coffee shops.
But if I had leaves,
One would discern me
by my form and shape
Asymmetric and oblique
Fold one in the palm
To breathe in sweet tinge
Of cineole, aromatic
Gently wrap the hand
Around my branch
To discern my years
Notice every wind-whipped
Scar and scorch of blaze
Survived over decades
How can one be jealous
of such natural beauty?
Such earthly passion would
Turn anyone green!
The years we've known one another Almost as long as the years between It's strange when time doesn't bridge a gap As we expect with bricks and mortar We both grow older, the years between Become relatively few And yet, I still look up to you Looking at your view From below
I'd rather be in love
In a ghetto
Than alone
In an ivory tower
Persistent yearning
Year after year
Suddenly released
Catapulted
Stomach unravels
Tenacity and grit
Bracing for landing
Into oceans deep
Where I longed to be
Floating, not drowning
Ebbing with the tide
Doused in freedom
Heartache suppression
Released tonight
I'm still standing
At all the places
You said goodbye
Waiting for another
And another...
Tears over you
Honestly
All I can do
In the heat
Of a moment
Hope melts away
Things you'll say
But wind changes
Devastated face
You hid one minute
Stays with you
Hours weeks decades
Hold a space
On the brink of
Knowing dreams fade
Accusations done
Unrequited love lives on
Another year gone
Shall we start again?
Each time we meet
Let it be
As if the first
Bathe in my love
Wash over with words
Eyes caress
Where waves meet
Warmth soothes
All the ache
We've ever known
Golden rays of sunshine
Glimmer on bouncing curls
Corduroy overalls
Bright red buttons
Boots dancing
On edge of pond
Squeals, little fists
Giggling at ducks and geese
Almost as big as me
I pick her up
Plonk on my knee
Give her gentle squeeze
Soft tummy quivers
With laughter and ease
I lay out my palm
Little fists uncurl within
A nest for soft duckling
She looks up suddenly
Bright blue eyes
Brows raised
Little hands wipe
Tears from my face
Small arms stretch
Around my neck
My inner child
Soothes me today
Count the stars of heaven 