My mind a
vice my heart
a string and 
my soul tympani 
pound pound away 
but no melody 
only constant percussion 
of why won’t 
and why can’t 
and why doesn’t 
all in the 
key of he
no one’s favorite 
just part of 
the standard program 
in the repertoire 
of a relationship 

Maybe a once dream
turned into a nightmare 
like a kernel stuck
and causing such pain 
but can’t be found 
and that must work 
its way out poisonous 
purged if you will
along with the pus
of broken promises and 
lies told as truths 
how could something so 
sweet so flavorful and 
so satisfying turn into 
an absolute infernal infection 

Feather or leaf
caught on limb
too high above 
to really see
just a shadow 
dancing on ground 
an eclipse that
moves and says 
hello down there 

Oops gone
he is
yet again 
where he
goes dunno 
somewhere else 
I guess 
besides here
there’s where 
he goes 

Cupping hands over 
ears a child
I did this 
and now too
to not hear
the gnashing teeth 
and pitiful wailing 
of life’s misery 
then a tap
and a smile 
from some stranger 
wondering if I’m
I say yes 
off we go 
to the circus 
down the street 
away from home