Coal Town Epitaph

Verdant mountains standing all round

Ancient silent sentries gazing over

A once prosperous town now shuttered

Empty storefronts, silent mausoleums

To the bustling scenes of commerce 

That once played out on the rambunctious 

City streets, avenues, and boulevards

A young girl, huddled in the shade 

The former department store providing

Some coolness and a working power outlet

Dope sick but hope redolent in her eyes

As nearby, music plays, calling out

With the songs of the hills for recovery

From drugs, from economics, from sorrow

A people poised to find the solutions and

Needing no one to help but grateful all the same

Morning Thoughts

A constant state of wanting more leads me along

Mind wandering to memories, fresh as new flowers

Wet with the morning dew and blooming on the stem

Smile blooming bright as well with each remembrance

Desirous of the propinquity that leads to her touch

To her scent, her laughter, and her effervescent smile

Thankful for each moment no matter how long or brief

When I am able to orbit near her and be a part of each

Day that she allows and brings new moments to cherish

Home

Ruminating often on home

What it means, where it is

No conclusion reached

No satisfaction gained

A concept so nebulous

That only more questions

Arise and need asked

Until one very simple

Yet beautiful thing occurred

I held you in my arms

Rouge

THAT red.........

No rose has ever known it

Would turn itself green with envy

Could only wish to be as beautiful

Should hope to one day become

Something as stunning as you

No rose even has a chance

THE Night

Words finally spoken, almost a whisper

While my hand trails lightly on soft skin

Danced around and code phrases used

But fully known and more importantly

Fully felt, down to the last atom of my cells

Now heard as I gaze and smile into soft eyes

Heart soaring with a new lightness

Words...Finally spoken.