[ simple turning. ]

where things stand in relationship 
to one another can result 
in different structures, meaning changed, 
and all from simple turning. 

we think we're things; but we are not. 
we're systems, networks, mysteries 
of flesh and neuron, quark and fire, 
ever still, but always 

burning

anti-traumas

on the other end of the spectrum are 
the things so beautiful that we 
cannot recall them anymore; 
we cast them out of memory. 

the anti-traumas,  one might say: 
the days so perfect, times so sweet, 
we can't admit them into mind 
as though 'joy' brings with it, 

defeat

Those Who’ve Never Felt

Why am I not enough? she thinks, 
But answers never seem to come; 
Where is the girl I used to be? 
It's hard to feel within the numb -- 

But those of you who understand, 
Will know how hollow is the trite 
Advice of those who've never felt 
How cold is space, 
How dark 

The night

sometime spring


it isn't the voice of sometime spring 
that leads the heart the mind the soul
it isn't the birds the warm the wind
that turns the faint young halfling whole

it wasn't the words of comfort said
or the angry ones that ripped the night
it's the season that she keeps inside
that makes the wrangling april right

okay, i understand

okay, i understand she said 
full saying she did not at all 
and i was left to riddle out 
just what had led to my great fall 

for what i ought to know, i don't 
and what i should have seen, i missed -- 
okay, i understand she said 
to someone who now won't 

exist

{ untitled }

she stands out in the sullen sun 
inside herself within  
and tells her dreams this is their day 
and begins to begin 

there's no one else to notice this 
no audience no date 
she brought the sun inside so she 
could finally 

radiate

An Era Bygone

You felt a girl born out of time, 
Your era bygone, long ago -- 
But classic is as classic does 
And I know you know that I know 

That your time's yet, and now, and then: 
Yours is an era not yet through -- 
You felt a girl born out of time, 
But time stands still when you're 

Just you

in joy and thoughtfulness

sometimes, in joy and thoughtfulness, 
the moments stop, and I can see 
the friend I first met years ago, 
and it all comes back, instantly: 

the path you walked, that weary way 
of years unloved and time misspent: 
and I think, oh, my love, please know -- 
you're safe here, and -- 

you're innocent

a checker

he says don't go and so she stays; 
why her, she doesn't understand -- 
as day turns night and night turns day, 
the spent much stronger than the planned -- 

his listless boredom in time drowned, 
she plays her part as he directs: 
a checker, never to be crowned, 
who loves, and never once 

suspects