Beach

I don’t swim
but rather dip
or maybe wade
in the chaos
sure of footing
retreat I will
free from waves
that start far
offshore and take
their drama out
on those unaware

Abound

Knowing that there’s
nothing to do
this quiet pause
brings its relief
in a boat
having rowed out
into the channel
ripples in wake
calm in front
and peace abound

Hollows

Many seek
few find
the emptiness
they often
view hollows
in wood
or forest
as places
where the
monsters hide
but noise
and distractions
and chaos
are the
real lairs
and dens
of demons

Barker

Hawking myself 
like some
sideshow carnival
barker promising
odd wonders
and amusement
I again
download apps
thinking that
this town
time will
be different
and my
empty pockets
will fill
with promises
of strangers

Paper

In looking for 
I have found
not what I
want but is
and that disharmony
grates against grace
two pieces of
rough grit sandpaper
desperately trying to
find a fit
an impossible alignment
of disparate pebbles
never to align
only to accept
that any movement
will cause friction
and further pain
is this then
what dating is
damage to or
at best the
removal of layers
to eventually get
to what exactly