Michigama Prayer

I had a stone.
It was a part of me.
I held my stone.
I thought of what was.
I thought of what might have been.
Then I skipped my stone away.

“Let it go,”
I hear the lake say.
“Live for today.”
I hear her calling me. 
“Throw the stone away.”

 I had a problem.
My problem laughed at me.
I hoped that I - could make it go away,
But I'm the one - who let it come and stay.  

We make our choices. The lake rejoices.

 “Let it go,”
I hear the lake say.
“Live for today.”
I hear her calling me. 
“Throw the stone away.” 

But the pain, it also comes with fire.
What would I feel to lose my heart's desire?

My friend was there for me.
I thought of what could be.
I loved him. I wanted him.
But the love had nowhere to go.   

We make our choices. The lake rejoices.

“Let it go,”
I hear the lake say.
“Live for today.”
I hear her calling me. 
“Throw the stone away.”

I held my stone tight.
I thought of what was.
I thought of what might have been.
Then I skipped my stone away.

Michigama,
Hear my prayer.
…the stone,
It was a part of me.
Treat it kind.
Let it fall away.
Free my heart.
Help me see the day.
Let it go. 
Let it fall away

Runners Up:

Slicing Orion

Too long since I
have contemplated
Sky.
Just Sky
with a view
to transpose it.

Too long since I
translated the texture
of dried leaves falling
on the face,
feeling the crackling cells
and freeing their sound. 

Too long since I
Have crafted words
to slice Orion’s belt
and wintered the black mass
of time’s cold-boned energy. 

Too long since I
Have seen the bark
And scarred the rights
Of buds that waited,
And starred about, 
with blown-gold embers,
the old hearth - heart 

Too long too
since the throw-rug snow
quilted eyes with a view
to lick the powdered liquid
plastered thick and crusty
and reveal, revive, renew
the painted inner suit of life.

"My Man"

Our family and friends knew that we were crazy by taking a chance with love.
Never did they imagine the plan came from above.

You brought me peace, hope and artistry,
Our life together was not a mystery.

Simple pleasures
Were our daily treasures.

My every breath thanked God for your soul.
Being old together was our goal.

July 28, 2004
My heart hit the floor.

My man. My precious handsome man.

Seven weeks later you told me of the angels.

You were never really mine.
Only now do I know that.

Thank you, Allen T.,
For the honor of sharing your life with me.

I will look for the angels someday and know that your wings will hold
me again.

Forever and Eternity.

Upon It All

Count a star, name it twice,
Make a wish, upon no advice,
Hope you can visualize it all,
Through all the clouds, like a wall,
It hinders your mind, like you’ve been blind,
But you still look through all the thickness
And… you won’t let go,
Of all the ambitions that make you grow.
 
Upon it all, was it all worth it?
Upon it all, can you still grasp it?
Through thick and thin, they try to remind you,
But you can’t let go, of what’s within you.
 
I trace the lines upon your face,
And with my hands, I want to embrace,
Your touch within mine, leaving but a trace,
Of unbearable lightness, without any disgrace,
 
Upon it all, was it all worth it?
Upon it all, do you still feel it?
Whether high or low, just don’t give in,
Just don’t let go, of what’s within in.

Why do you go?
When I eagerly anticipated your arrival…
You made me glow with your warm kisses

Though your sultry presence was unbearable at times
You made your amends -- letting me enjoy the
Life I normally wouldn’t partake in when you’re not around

As I ready for your departure, the days feel colder and darker
Yet I still reach out to feel your lingering presence

As I store away memories of another year,
Some are readily discarded, like a worn-out swimsuit

Wishing you would stay longer, but knowing
I will see you again. Goodbye Summer.

PRISONERS of a Mirror

They object about your lifestyle. Saying you have a problem.
Telling you that you are a bad parent, spouse and individual.
They don't know you. They don't live your life.

Do they know about your struggles. Do they understand itís not easy doing it all alone.
They don't hear your cries, or your pleas for just some sanity.

I hear those voices too. I wish that things would be easier.
I didn't ask for the pain or the obstacles.
I bet they don't want to lock themselves in a bathroom.
Letting themselves cry for hours just to regain some stability.

Do they punch the walls, not feeling any pain?
Do they wish to run away from it all, knowing they can't?

You long for what we all want. You don't ask for empathy.
You just ask for some space, letting you breathe.

They want to choke you with their opinions.
They want to choke you with the rules of the world.

You want to be free, breaking lose, yet you're only a prisoner.
This is not what you asked for. Who knew things would end up this way.
Yet you swallow your pride and you bite your tongue, only to be
ridiculed day after day for your efforts.

Those bastards, who do they think they are?

They don't pay your bills, they don't change the diapers,
yet, they feel they have the right.

To hell with those people, to hell with what society thinks.

You're a beautiful person. Strong willed with endless amounts of patience.

Lucky me, I don't have to deal with that shit.

I'm just a reflection in the mirror.