The Morning of the Fourth

i stayed up to listen to your smile
feel the grooves on the record player
with the seeking sun mirrored darkness
eyes closed eyes opened.
a steady lift and fall.

I'll try to drown out my voice with water
It seems these days
The words coming out of my mouth
Turn around and sting my throat
So shut me up
Please.

We're all crazy,
But I think I'm the insane one.
Send me off now.

After the fact

sleepy eyes open
blurry loves looking
the most tender of all grasses
brushes on your cheek
blinding softness in those pools
soon forget
the troubles

but they flood
and fill
when those sleepy eyes open
deserted land upon them
without grass
without cheek
without pools.

Forever

mom

last night i cried
i cried like i cried a thousand times into your arms
and wiped my snot and dribble onto your shirt
cried like the world was ending
everything is coming down
and the only thing to do is cry
in your arms
with eyes squeezed shut
fists clenched
the sweet juice of pain running down my cheeks
unresolved mucus

last night i cried
and i wish i had been in your arms.

Humpback whales

his hand in my hand