Rupert’s hand would always go to his pocket when his sensibilities strayed too far beyond the fray. His focus would glaze, amber irises dimming like the telltale signs of life slowly ebbing from a character in a tragic film. He’d rub the things sheltered in his left pocket. Three rubiginous balls. Cold, plastic shells cocooning… Continue reading Staying Alive
What Isn’t
His touch was always like a phantom wind. A zephyr grazing her cheek. As if he was afraid fire would trail his hand and burn her. And he always kept his distance whenever they walked together. Careful that their hands never bumped or brushed together. The subtlety of his avoidance perplexed her. But she would… Continue reading What Isn’t
Puberty
We watched the shadowsStretch and entangle themselvesFolding into each other over the beige wallsLike secret loversLured by the pearl-tongued murmursOf the moonWhile the wind danced and whistled coollyBy the window And we were still by each other --Silent and supine--Our chests in tandemWith echoes of our soft breathPulling in anxietyRattling our rib cagesFor sleep couldn’t… Continue reading Puberty
Morning Rituals
She didn’t like coffee, but the smell reminded her of home. Of early mornings roused from sleep by the chaos unfolding in the kitchen down the hall. Her father had always been late for work, stumbling over his big, socked feet to grab his briefcase while stuffing his shirttail in his pants. She would catch… Continue reading Morning Rituals
Loneliness
Sometimes it’s easy to forget: the things that are important or what you love. Because the distractions never come like a marauding beast yanking your arm and ripping all that you cherish from your chest. It often begins as an innocuous brush against the shoulder; an allure to the senses drawing you away from the fissures… Continue reading Loneliness
A Place to Belong
I could hear its dragging steps Through the shadowy streets Beneath the moon’s ivory gaze Its forlorn wail Like a wolf’s stricken howl As it searched— For what I wonder? I followed its path Felt its cold touch Graze my hand then slip away If I could I’d have merged myself With the wind And… Continue reading A Place to Belong
Prisoner
Prisoner — Of my own mind Banished to the black gorge Where dubious whispers And anxious fears Crawl the looming shadows Breathing hot against my neck Weighing my shoulders like lead And these clouded sockets— Tired and glazed Cannot see beyond the grey Fractured Disillusioned By the madness Blind to the guiding light Of radiant… Continue reading Prisoner
The Pearl
It was almost elusive to her: the pearl clutched in her palm. It was like a tangible manifestation of the hopes and dreams held close to her heart. Attainable and within reach; though her wishes weren’t as dainty nor as small. To those around her, friends and family alike, her dreams were far-fetched and laughable.… Continue reading The Pearl
Unwilling to Die
Rust collects within crevices Of these dried bones Striped with rotting sinews That have mostly forgotten The familiar mechanics Of wrapping around a pen Consumed by adrenaline The rush of creative flow Peppering through veins Enlivening still marrow To the mind’s spontaneous wiles But now these bones lay Frozen in a curled pose Of that… Continue reading Unwilling to Die
Heart of Nature
Could this rain know greed? Though apathetic with its Monotone voice That never changes Despite its lilting intensity When its frigid teeth Bite into our flesh Gnawing and tearing At the earth with an Almost carnivorous intensity Unrelenting ‘Til its bosom heaves On a satisfied breath Is it greed? Perhaps the sins Thought to have… Continue reading Heart of Nature
