comfort is not what it once was

I have not been here before

we are linked with ties

beyond what any can see

embracing the time

gifted by a path unsought

breathing in deeply

still unknowing

it’s best that way

a spark

helps illuminate

this uncharted path

anew is this love we share

unwrapping layers

mine, yours, ours

linked in loss, love and desire

forever bound with laced hands

the sun has hidden until the dawn

     chocolate allowed to keep it’s cool

the air does not weigh upon your chest

     summer’s night air should be taken deeply

the crackling heat holds mosquitoes in mid flight

     jabbing flames jabbing

the tanned skin holds its face

     moonlight lends a hand

the sweet giggle from sugar’s drug

    preambles awed stares into the night sky

roasted marshmallows are always better after dark

words may tangle before stepping forward

they sit while seeking their match

words lie around forever

potential swirling

abandoned they may seem

before choices can be made

words are often borrowed 

before they can be owned

waiting for their time

confident in their pace

words may wrap around each other 

and pull themselves through

bravery comes from letting them go

not housing them inside

emotion is carried in the wake

let it flow through you

vibrant green

carries the palette 

filling the landscape 

finding a pace 

I can walk with

beneath the sky of blue 

among the familiar 

sounds and smell

pulling me to live in this space

a lightning bug jarred

keeping it here

trying not to hold too tightly

it is as it should be 

lifting the weight 

moving free

not growing old here 

only today’s air

fills my lungs

the music behind your grace

hangs effortlessly

bouncing off your eyes

ready to drop softly

amid hissing cicadas

into rows of summer’s wildflowers

halting time

is the evening wish

as the solstice waltzes in

if nights were days

and the moon

turns away

are you left with rays

of stars from yesterday

emptiness arrives instantly

caught without warning

a smile disappears into the blank space

broad strokes cannot cover the page

far from simple

an ocean does not feel the ripple

as you spill

the twisted reach of sorrow has caught you here

alone with everyone

someday it’s all gonna be beautiful

wear the mask to tell the truth

it’s easier that way

on the post rests the head

seeking medicine for the desolate soul

time it shall be

• 

swinging on vines

in trees of hope

towering above the earth

pledging time

to the undevoted

wishing it were true

water kissing parched lips

from days too long

settles the moment

on my doorstep

lies the wisdom

of tomorrow’s dawn

crossing delicate boundaries

protecting fear and confidence

chaos and quiet

loss and love

at a speed that stands me still

mired in unsure ground

not recognizing the step in front of me

the awkward depth awakes caution

waiting on tomorrow is always an option

when trust doesn’t arrive

• 

patina keeps the time

as scars tell a story

wisping clouds arch beautifully

hoping to relieve the drought

set in the cracked landscape

knowing loneliness is not healed

makes sense in pieces

one by one

my dreams keep from fighting

for one more night

•