Category: Family
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spring cleaning
I slept in this morning, because Mom kept trying to contact me from her grave Pulling me back into a dream Laying on the guilt Something about Lent And spring cleaning the kitchen Dad was calling out Alice, leave the boy alone Turn out the light and come to bed But mom kept knocking at…
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Alice and Chester
Lately, my parents have appeared in my dreams young from before I was born I wonder if they dream of me or dream of a better son Who didn’t push limits get in trouble and grew up to be rich and successful They seemed happy unencumbered by children with dreams of post-war America and prefab…
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how I became a poet
When I was in fourth grade they tried to teach me violin but I was called a sissy I put down my case and fought When I was seventh grade I wanted to play French horn but trombones were cheaper I knew all the troublemakers and band secrets I’d laugh and would not snitch When…
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Simple augury
Nesting bird high upon wall doesn’t care which side it gathers food to feed its young It needs to live and farmers’ snare or hunter’s gun won’t force it to choose and neither will your politics A pretty flag north or south it doesn’t matter much it only wants to feed its young and build…
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obituaries
Every morning you check obituaries To see if you have died or are just hanging out To haunt family and friends 2-17-21
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Wobbly
Wooden top on their kitchen floor, you try to convince yourself it’s okay to end this wobbly ride. Mom stands in the doorway asks if this is the best you can do; Dad gets up from the breakfast table Stands over you, demands you get your ass off his floor and get something done. Overwhelmed…
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brainspotting
homeostasis is process not revelation listen deeply to the quiet inside your head somatic cues brush empty canvas the universe paints your innocence 1-25-21
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Socially awkward
No one knows how it got there; If the woods encroached on its space Or whether the camellia invaded the woods. Was a seed dropped by a bird or did a gardener plant it? It doesn’t matter how, only that it blooms At the edge of a woods on a chilly winter’s day 1-19-21
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fragments of paradise
Lying broken she asked what I saw when I shut my eyes I said I see nothing She said she sees fragments of paradise floating cubes of white fragrant as soap wrapped in ribbons and beads stars and hearts shiny, bright and beautiful She shuts her eyes drifts off to sleep I rise to leave…
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Christmas eve 2020
The Christmas Eve It snowed In Nashville She woke Tried to understand How she crashed Paradise shattered Pieces floating In her head She told a nurse She needed to pee Lay on a bed pan Said her head hurt Begged them To make it stop She asked me To help her remember Her obligatory prayer…
