Poetry

After Standing Strong

The streets speak calmly- orders clear as the stars piercing that black blanket.

Here is where the chalk would be drawn.

The lines drawn near to home,

This is progress; the path he was shown.

The streets cradle with warmth unlike anything he had ever felt.

Unlike anything he had ever felt.

Had he ever felt?

Felt lining the coffin he would close:

That liquid rose,

That twisted pose left chalk imprinted upon the concrete.

“Not me,” he said.

Met with open arms and heads nodding except his was throbbing;

Laying in bed the streets called his name,

Softly, an easy way out.

Even easier to blame.

Simplified

Such an instant reaction, my hearts impacted.

A fraction of doubt but your eyes guide me past it.

Your hands lead me on and your lips dripping passion-

Two souls drifting closer with fear of attachment.

But I fear detachment.

Loss and looking back wishing that we had done things different but my backs,

Against a wall.

The odds stacked against it all.

It’s odd because my past has me tripped to fall,

But your smile for a while has me caught in awe.

I’m a simple man with a complex mind,

But simply put you make this simplified.

It feels too natural to hold and confide,

I don’t know if I can make you happy,

But I know I’ll try.