Cliffs of Okinawa

Be careful of broken glass
Of falling stars that never reach land
Of gifts returned without being planned
And mountains that steal the rain

Mind your prayers of all they represent
Intentions and desire
Which invite and shape destiny
Attention au monstre!

I know I have myriad fantasies
But I could never get that close
Until I felt I was loved
Childhood can be so lonely

We hold hands toward edge
Far below sea foam shines
The mystery of a mer kingdom
Revealed as the knot unwinds

Enemies draw close on three sides
Figures behind the mist invite
Waves crash like lovely songs
We jump!

St. Margaret Mary's Alliance of Hearts

Birds flock past church bells
Towers where one could see the world
All we have is ground of a high hill
I see the buildings of downtown
They don't seem too far even if
We both know that they are
Distance measured in time
When our mothers took us there
Downtown died so the mall could live
Now the mall has died too
A sign that we won't be long
Welcoming a child of our own

Winterlights wish us well
Following the brightest star
To that special tree in the wood
Burying our dreams under its leaves
Walked away with two sea shells
To remind us this was all
Once under the sea
Memories of all we've lost
Including a little you and me
A future where we return to stars
Greeted by our cherished ones
Celebrating while we await
Welcoming another child of our own

Even dreams must die sometime (for this world to accept you)

I am too old for that life,
to dream about it all the time,
and once I was too young
for the same;

and all these years have passed.
Wishes never change.
Will these desires ever leave me?
So you can accept me

fully for who I am?
Most of all
that is what I've always wanted:
for just one person to accept me.

Or maybe two?
If I must accept myself
first, for you to do so too.
I just want you.

Disconnect

Am I lost within myself?
Or somewhere far away?
I just want to be right here
Oh bring me back to you

Flock of birds in the sky
I wish to fly away with them
To be part of everything
To be every bird at once

Let us take a jug of water
Down riverside to break it
Becoming one with the sea
We only have to live fully

Fantasy and distraction
Are robbing all reality
I just want to be right here
Oh bring me back to you

Winter 1981

We went to the same school
Never meeting each other
Running with different crowds
Running from each other
In your jean jacket and feathers
My Izod and wrap around sweater
You would catch me glancing
I would pretend whatever

Secretly I want to buy you clothes
Have you dress like my friends
Secretly I want you near
And I think you want the same
How to make this work?
High school can be impossible
It is not like Romeo and Juliet
No one would die whatsoever

Wandering to the bakery

I want to get lost with you
In the car in a conversation
Into the wind in any direction
Until sunsets become shadows
On the bad side of town
You begin pointing around
Sharing your childhood memories
I'm thinking I'm finally happy now

These type of buildings and houses
Are hard to still be found
That is not the way they want it
On quiet streets with no sound
They are here even now
People from the other side
Who want to tell you hi
They are living their life

Do not tell them they are gone
When they have been here all along
They only want to be your friend
Holding out a hand they drown
In modern times they can't understand
We think we do but we're wrong
Life is like how it's always been
We can't return but we do live on

Shopping strip lights across her face

she might not know all the right words
for items that are fine
but she has the eye
for objects all elegant
spending on classics
that will outlast the stars
paying minimally on seasonal trends
she's always better dressed
than all her old friends
preferring silver not gold
nicer plainer not complex
prettier layered
instead of wearing it alone
happy only when finding
the perfect shoes to take home

Grown ups just don't understand

The way we are so close
Could talk to you about anything
Maybe we can be friends?

We stopped wearing costumes
Not because we grew old
But because we forgot how to pretend

Problems stopped being ways to explore
We discovered ourselves
Then turned the other way

What happened to the classics
Cars, clothes, and songs
That would last twenty years?

We can run so far
From the divorces of our parents
Only to end up in no marriages

But the crickets are singing
Now is the perfect time
To believe ma chérie, to conceive

The dream we weave

Tear along the dotted line

It’s hard not to panic while drowning
Are we close enough yet?
Just not enough to trust, I guess
So should I stay away?
Since strangers will not save us
Yet only they can become friends
Isn’t the joke on us yet again?

Starving for connection until we are sick
Reach out to anyone and get tricked
Again, invite the dusk in
Where sun and horizon have kissed
The day we lost
We decided loneliness was deserved
The joke is on us yet again

Nine-eleven on my heart
Perforated to easily be torn apart
You always said there were stars
I could not see in my city
Though I've always tried
They were only satellites
Where cell phone signals died

Invite the twilight

The sky is starting to crack (and I think I like what is behind it)

Today was supposed to be the second
hottest day of summer. The weather app
displayed a current high of one-oh-three.
Chances for rain and then the sky turned dim.

Clouds raced in, followed by the leafs being
chased by the wind, into sky, onto ground,
filling my memory, leaf storm surround,
running, hiding, it's going to get me.

Golden skies are all we need to save us
from everything. Silvery beams shine down
from an overcast welkin. We are bound
in between, waiting for the burning times

to end, waving swords in the air, for rain
heaven sent, fall is finally coming.

Angel Song (The Sailor's Wife)

it's been so long
since you've been off to sea
send word, send word to me
send the angels
to guide you on your way
let them search
within your heart, search
all four corners of the earth
until you're safely back with me

pirates and waves
songs of the lorelai
send love and magic soon
may the fates favor
my heart loyal to you
let them spin
silver hairs on your head
may all four winds
sail you safely back to me

Red, amber, green

On empty city streets stop lights still change
Through midnight’s desolation order remains
Fallen stars on street corners look up to the sky
Not even ghosts fade away as long as they try

To suddenly lose control while driving
Car lights shined, she froze, I broke, the car skid
All too fast and maybe in another lifetime
We could have met, we died, so we did

Suddenly I found myself floating
Above the SUV, above her and me
I can see through you to your true light
And we danced in midair that night

Do not cry for for those who died alone
Fill your album up with new memories
Do not feel bad for there we'll be
Two balls of light dancing in a photograph

Quietly trying on my costume

What’s that sound? Is everyone asleep?
I thought I saw it near the window
Check the closet and the hallway
There it is again it’s not my imagination

That type of ghost will only try and scare you
Do not listen to them no matter what they tell you
Turn on your lights and stay awake if you can
After all it is your dreams which you are running from

No need to sound the alarm
Awake the village or alert the guards
The apples are turning rotten from within
Souls decaying from anxieties and fears

Cry as quietly as you can
It hurts the same if no one knows
Than if they did and did not care
Keep trying to not let it show

No need to sound the alarm
Awake the village or alert the guards
Nothing will go wrong at tomorrow’s
Parade across town square

It's Halloween again

On this planet I am lost
no one to take me here
no one to bring me back

Flowers in deserts thirst
bad enough to make it hurt
not bad enough to make it stop

You can catch me but
we are in deep dark wells
we need golden ropes

I know it took a lot
for you to stay by my side
that Halloween you cried

Then you took off your mask
I took off mine
I really needed you that time

Alone on the swings as the sun sets

How old do I have to be?
How many more years to wait?
To feel like a child again
running along the sea
afraid that jellyfish might get me;

To play a game outside
until our shadows grow long
before we run home
afraid of the monsters
who will get us if we get caught.

I fell behind and got lost.
Can you find me?

I know the perfect place to hide:
In the grave, who would look for us here?
In the shade of the tomb and a tree.

Just be still.
Do not breathe.
They won't find us here
or your scars
hidden inside where none can see.

It’s the perfect time for us
to run away, explore the world.
We are children compared to the trees.
Their secret that the spirit
is more important than the shell.

Colorado

One hundred years ago
some never remember
others never forget
to give what we walk on
they fight over color of skin
war has decided we are all red within

One thousand years ago
warrior versus warrior
civilized versus nomad
not so much a fall
power switches hands
and the corn gods live on

In the court of the lettuce lords
hidden in the fields some forgot
those whose hands still remember
whose hearts still understand
sing under starlit skies
in the moon’s borrowed light

Adventuring into the landscape after 2 a.m.

The rain has stopped
but the magic has not ended.
Water still falls from building gutters
mixed with the drips
from branches and leaves.

And there on the ground
a handful of yellow petals,
fallen from rain or careless hand
of a passing club-goer.
I stop to pick them up.

The first is silky wet,
then placing each one at a time,
carefully into my open palm,
I realize that treasure is not what I hold
but finding myself where I am.

Setting them back under the bush,
looking down the row as I walk on by,
wishing to see a fey friend tell me ‘hi,’
and one branch out of all the others
slowly sways as if waving ‘good-bye!’

Marmara ship massacre

To my only Islamic friend:
I'm sorry my hatred for 'them'
Has allowed me this tragedy.
The Mediterranean now bleeds.

We have tried to damn 'their' fate.
Now what has taken place?
Armed with food for our enemy
We had to battle you on the high seas.

Is it fear for our survival
That has led us into denial?
But how to take it back?
And how to show regret?

Sometimes

Sometimes others hurt you and you just have to accept it
Sometimes they used to be friends and you can only regret it
Sometimes the only way to forgive is to move on
Sometimes you cry when even in your heart you know you've done them no wrong

Accept it, regret it, move on, do them no wrong.

Queen of the Pickpockets

Your shadow falls on mine.
I smile, for you’re no stranger.
Twice as black, twice as blind,
I love our little crimes.

Next time you can pretend
in your peasant dress
working your best.
Oh! What a mess we’re in.

Getting lost in a crowd
seems to be our specialty.
We’ll walk away, with a few
loose odds and ends

which never seem
to ever be tied up,
and you'll slide another
pin in the pin cushion.

Love Must Be Betrayed

I invited you in
Now I am asking you to leave
It is not a question of love
I know my heart will be incomplete

Look to the little ones
They will not know of this
I cannot hide my face
Though I wish you had missed

More than my head hurts
Are you not getting this?

More than my heart hurts
Love must be betrayed

More to the point
All your presence will do is destroy
More than this broken lamp
Or unhinged door frame

The soul of my children
Are what is at stake
Most would not admit this
But it has been past break

More than you know
Are you not getting this?

More than I want
Love must be betrayed

Dancing on Leaves

something happens
where the heavens touch
the trees

look real close
at the topmost branches
dancing in wind

it is
as if they are somehow saying
you could never be this free

but I am
when I stare
and dance on the leaves

Treasure Map

I saw the fire in your eyes
knowing you’d never be satisfied
with someone like me

You once told me how
there just had to be more
in this world to see

I did not tell you
that my world
was sitting right across from me

Staring into your eyes
I could plainly tell
they didn’t search for mine

Looking down at our hands
how difficult
for me to let go

When my heart fell
you laughed and said
I was not adventurous

To find their treasure
some just have to
travel farther I guess

Safety Glass

I'm floating on air
Seeing the world
Like it's not really there

Love is a little drive
Down the highway
Just going on my way

I'm supposed to be safe
But the seatbelt
Unbuckled on its own

My heart like glass
Is not supposed to cut
But it shatters

And when I land
On the concrete
I'll be broken on impact

Wizard of the Waters

everyone you told was scared
laughed
or wanted nothing to do with it
it was something
paranormal

you said i would not understand
i think i do
ocean depths you have seen
but all have touched
the surface

stood at the sea
tasted the world
with arms outstretched
and yelled
I AM ME!

Vampire Heart Me

your voice at my window
calling me out tonight
in the city like lovers
though we were friends
for life

taking me by the hand
past the cars we ran
stop! you turn to me
kissing me right there
and then

eyes to got lost in
your lips bloodied
as you described
this far away look
in mine

don't let me go
be my baby tonight
bring me back to you
i want to be in
your life

The first time I felt loved

You thought I was perfect
I saw the stars in your eyes
When they looked upon my face
And traced every line

Fingertips fell on lips
Perfect you said and wished
That they were yours
And as long as we kissed...

Did you desire this forever?
Sorry you just were
Not good enough for me
I did not love you, no, not really

Not like I ever knew, so
Have you finally given yourself
To someone and won? It was you
Who was perfect all along

Cellar Door

i slammed shut the door of my heart
so hard when you left
that all the windows shattered

now you see right through
to all that really mattered

winds wrack a crouching form
shivered to the bone
part of him's just a lost child

who wants to feel safe
and not so alone

another winter without you
ended so I welcome light
this spring I'm rebuilding

life will fill complete
even with an empty spot remaining

tears are left here when falling
so there's always a spot for you
should you ever knock at my door

Of light hearts that day brings

Today I cried for hours
Those kind of tears
Took my stained heart
Until it was laundered

I daydreamed your face
Imagining the rest of you
In faerie wing and lace
Until you fully took shape

Here I told you good-bye
Feeling the magic fade
Storms lost their rage
My heart on display

Can you see it?
It's not as fragile
As it used to be
Finding friends again

And if you ever
Think of me sometimes
Smile, I'm finding happiness
Even if I'll miss you always

My Love, My Wife

here we are
with our legs entwined
a little planning
a lot of design
like a horizon
telling the sun
you are mine

this feeling
of a first date
my smile
searching for your face
i want you to want me
'til the pull of your eyes
has me amazed

by the fountains
holding hands in darkness
leading me to city lights
where we hugged and kissed
in the middle of the street
as hundreds passed blessing
our next ten years with bliss

Princess Adora

she walks as one with the light
her smile a warm delight
with a kiss that can win a fight!

angels don't always have wings
their pasts sometimes carry pain
but their hearts never carry strings

we love the eighties
we don't want to grow old
we are still just babies

among the purple cats
no longer afraid of curve balls
when life puts us up to bat

and instead we carry flowers
for she is in her finest hour
our lovely princess of power

Set your love on fire

I have become obsessed
With wanting to touch everything
Such an elegant fabric
To this clothes I'm wearing
My fingers do dream
Of that dark hair
You toss while turning laughing

The back of my hand
Wants to kiss your cheek
These lips wish to follow
Holding your breath with mine
My sight wants to capture
The smile of your eyes
So black they shine

To bring the stars down
And touch them all night
Recalling your childhood memories
I want to make them all mine
To touch your very soul
I know that it's shy
But love in time

Sirian Princess

over worlds of blue
she danced in dolphin dreams
pretending to be one with the deep
her arms not quite made for the sea
her heart filling with a song
awakening the stars own memories
legends told of her laugh
crowning her the dolphins circled

next to trees of life
taking in the breathing of the world
so still she is calmed
until birds of prey make their peace
only her feet touch the ground
she is somewhere above the leaves
in lights that shine
peering into and behind her eyes

under skies of night
stargazes into stone
worlds reveal themselves at her touch
tracing divine line over sacred spaces
sigil and symbol written in star
with sunlit golden-rayed strands of hair
falling over worlds of blue
the drawing of our Sirian Princess

The song of the birds called us outside

Opening myself to the magic,
Slowly drifting to the ground
Like snow.
Landing in the garden
Where after a freeze
All the plants have died
Except for two
Who wished
To survive,
Me and you.

White rose blossoms
Fill the ground
For when I know your smile is for me
I bloom inside.
Tears that want to soar
becoming petals being shed.
Sleepy, sleepy,
So softly threads between us are formed.
I've fallen to your fingers
Gently gliding through my hair.

For the love of thorns

Why did you say
We would always be friends?
Part of me still believes
All of me desperately desires.

Love has lied down
Its drowsy tears weighing down
My feathered pillows
Making winged dreams ruined for flight.

When all my insides
Reach for the mere wish of you
And touch your lacking presence
Hope betrays and even thrives!

I used to panic at the thought of your loss
I realize and panic all the same
As if one can lose
What is already lost.

Mail-Daemon

Blood
Versus the trifling stars.
The prize:
Lady Destiny,
Fingers longer than time
But not this time.

Dear Computer,
Can I download
Love?

My loneliness
Does not mind
Who you are.
This heart sees
And hearts
Your brilliant mind.

P.S.
I always hope
To hear from you.

My Valentine

The bright lights blind,
I looked closer
and you hurt my eyes.

I slowly see the shape
of you begin to form;
my heart has grown.

Seeds of hurt planted
in crying days are saplings
now in forests newly born.

It won't be long before
birds nest in our branches
with our roots entwined.

Underground streams
flow from mountainside
a cascade of love.

She never trusted anyone with her secrets before

the world scorned her and she burned within
mankind was smaller back then
just her and him and her children

sex was meant to be an act of two
eyes turn black only his energy comes through
only in time her heart got separated too

one part her own another her dying children's
the world was at odds in its very first war
the children of Eve have arrived to destroy


her heart in the wilderness she hung on a tree
heaven and peace long abandoned her barren womb
her heart burst forth into some dark owl of night

forever inciting lust in the minds of men
her presence pulling them from worlds of wakefulness
they take her hand and morning comes she is gone

from the skies she lands on my window sill
i had begged her and for once she has returned
to offer the same dream to one more than once

I King Caterpillar

Even heroes get lost in dark forests
wolves descending down the mountainside
his hopes in a quick escape by sea
worried about men who can change into them
what about wolves who can change into us?

I could only look from afar onto your fun
you were a butterfly, I King Caterpillar
you began in wondrous flight, I broke my wing
I'm just not meant for these kind of things
and all the pain it already brings to me.

Games in the garden as the kingdom prepared for war

I miss the days of kings and queens.
A deep majesty within your eye,
the pageantry of your conversation,
but within the castle there hid decay.

Broken lovers; better friends.
It's typical, right?
How we couldn't see the end,
it's here and there.

When you first said you love me,
how was I to respond?
Not tell you that I do
and lose you then and there?

Do you miss the lover
or the friend?
When you held back gloss tears
I lost you again and again...

Sails Across The Sky

Sails across the moon
alien ships pass by all too soon
Where is the proof
when I most need it
of things we believed in?

We searched for truth
when it finds us unexpectedly
All across this galaxy
your star is going to shine
we believe in you this time.

You showed us bright light
dreams inside of you
Places where they're born
and it's not so strange
the kind of love found in this new age.

The wax-sealed envelope

you're invited to the masque
this eve behind the chateau
if you can find your way
through the hedgerow maze

secret garden awaits
white rose blossoms
single stone bench
you see your lover

the waltz the romance
the piano playing
starry skies glitter
and we danced

secret garden escapades
moon light fallen
eyes are captured
you see your lover

in the distance they run
you chase they disappear
was it all too perfect
was it all too real?

Decade

i've been dying carrying your love
until i understood i could
live and love you none the less

angels think to simply fly
far above our day to day worries
that become the lives of dreams that drown

my wings are hidden in heart
and i will fly and race towards stars
with nothing but my mind's insight

every so often a solitary snowflake
instead of falling rises into the skies
the lights are calling and welcome us

for there is not one here who comes
from something other than star dust
and who does not want to die alone