Cusp

on the cusp
of a lighthearted breeze
or the point of needle
filled with things
that must be said
and things no one
wants to hear
it’s talking without
having to listen
even when you
think you are

there are the ones
who think they’ve won
and those who
know they’ve lost
some with the bad taste
left from nasty words
others holding back
tears they don’t want
to wipe away
who is who,
no one knows
names aren’t real
faces change shape

a battle fought in a realm
that doesn’t really exist
up in a cloud that
no one sees
that can never
really touch you
yet it does
deeply
harshly
gently
lovely
painfully

 

– – –

free verse, c.b.w. 2018

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Alone

flipping channels
nothing is on
the dog waits
by the door
he doesn’t know
you won’t be home
two minute dinner
the microwave beeps
the dog still sits
he won’t listen to me
fading light
I lock the windows
and doors
it’s just me tonight
against the darkness
and moonlight
too much Dateline
my nerves shake
the dog gives up
and plops beside me
It’s not the same
without you here
I’ve grown used to
the sounds you make
how you fill my life
the dog whines
he must blame me
you’ll be back tomorrow
but he doesn’t know that

 

– – –

Words: timed free-verse (10 minutes), c.b.w. 2018

Normal

I make my lists
do this today
do that tomorrow
it all makes sense
I don’t get lost
Until I do and
the leaves scatter
just out of reach
the tiny pieces
that hold me
together
Lost in the
firestorm
I did not create
I sit and wait
for the air
to clear
All I want is
a normal day

 

– – –

Words: timed free-verse (10 minutes), c.b.w. 2018

Thirsty

Every morning up at five
stretching to punch through
the day and smile
even though it’s dark outside
I’ve been at this too long
trusting the path to turn
one way or the other
On it goes straight past
where I planted my seeds
Still waiting to sprout
trapped in dry sand
Degrees on my wall
fill up the space
giving me pride
for a job well done
But there’s still that
breath I hold inside
A parched throat
thirsty for rain

– – –

Words: Timed free-verse (10 minutes), c.b.w. 2018

Choice

half-awake I remember
yesterday was a bad day
I clutch the blankets
reluctant to move
All the things I want to avoid
are out there waiting for me
winning a battle I never
wanted to fight
It would be easier
to stay here and hide
To give in give up
and keep my nose clean
But that isn’t me
All those things
trying to win
Can’t beat my most
genius move
I have a choice
to rise
to fight
to smile
and give
give
give

 

– – –

free-verse, c.b.w. 2018