Of foreign lands

Life is faded at the edges,
sun-bleached tinge of an old photograph.
My world is a faded memory -
even my dreams are of strangers.

Are you a gambling man?

Your hands clutch around my wrist
Resisting it, loves bitter twist.
Middle-way causing offence
Tongues lashing futile defence
Holding on to dreams of 'us'
Familiar buttons light right up.
Life has scarred your heart
loves empty-hole my part.
Mind's filter program set
as shadow blocks regret.
Cold hands tight around your neck
desire to hold on, instinct to reject.
The gambler's hand's all in
to lose it all - or win.

Shadow of Depression

The ominous silhouette of a crow overhead reminds me of my constant companion, the darkness.  The place where despair sits on the throne wearing a crown of barbed wire that presses deep into my skin drawing the last few drops of blood from my life. The warm sticky ooze collects in a puddle on the floor - a living tribute to misery, dreams morphed into failures and hopes just wasted pennies.

Lucidity curse

Sense blows away a dried up pod
litters the ground with deep
sighs and question marks
lucidity consume'd faith
meaning-suit undone at seams
minds' torn land, broken vase
hot snake lines on coiff'd page -
hope bows to logic's march.

Glory stench

Purpose seeker finds cause
hidden in the cards, the clouds
carved in rocks in caves
gnostic tongues of foreign lands
divine illumination.
Precious gifts: ancient ruins
recited prayers and sacred books
glory stench, sublime
holy grail, holy land, holy
cellphone on a zafu cushion.

Come soon!

Outside on the deck, cinnamon tea and a sneak cigarette I try to write the night.
The kid next door plays the piano and a turtledove coos from a nearby telephone wire.
Gentle wind rustling the trees reminds me of autumn leaves crunching under my boots, Easter egg hunts and play adventures.
In my dreams, an other life, I hold your hands and feel your smiles - still so warm and precious in my heart.
Come soon! Everything is ready and waiting on you.

On Femininity .... for my daughter.

The essence of a woman? Soft round curves and fine features, naturally rosy cheeks and pink lips, delicacies to touch and taste and smell. The emotional cycles that drive tears, laughter, sadness and joy. It colours our relationships. The ones we value and foster. And as you share your tears and joys and fears, your dreams and laughter it drives a power within , a strength to stay with things just as they are – until, you find the courage to fight for wrongs left un-righted for too long. Value this gift, for your unique femininity is your creative expression, your sexuality, your power, your vulnerabilty, your love, your grace, your sanity, your joy and your sorrow.