The Waltz

One two three
One two three
Simple steps
So it goes

Truth be told
What is truth
I cavort
with your ghost

For Bruce

Untitled

Grasp the days
with clenched fists
quite certain you can feel
concrete in your hands

The magician
flashes open palms
and there is nothing

Maybe you have some tricks
of your very own

Asthma Attack

Stop
You have me in a choke hold
I told you
cannot
breathe
I must commend you though
You are relentless
but then I realize
my own hands
clasp my throat

Julia

When you ask about my
curiously mismatched socks
Why is one sparkly?
and create your own way
to play Candy Land
Just the special cards!
My weariness alleviated
if only for a moment
Let’s dance now!
Your four years are made
only of sincerity
and I am relieved that
there is still dignity
somewhere

For Julia. May I one day have a daughter as lovely as you.

honesty

I didn’t know what was on the menu
Hoping for bits that were more tasty
Maybe something processed or with MSG
Alas, no artificial flavorings
They seem to go down easier
What you don’t know won’t hurt you
You didn’t use your best china
Just those paper plates and plastic forks
I tried, feebly, to protest
You will like this, you said
It’s a new dish
I wonder if I am ready for it

For Amy M.

The Space Between

What is the topic?
It is hard to explain
Try me
How would you define the word beginning?
The start of things
And the end?
When things cease
The topic is neither
Ah, I think I see
I think I see
I think I see

For me