I used to think love was urgent

I could feel it trembling in my bones

Demanding to be set free

Demanding I unleash it on anyone

Willing to show me

An ounce of kindness

An inkling of affection

I used to think I had to share it

All of the love inside of me

And if I didn’t

It would waste away

Expiring on a shelf

Like old forgotten apples

Turning moldy

I couldn’t leave any of it behind

But s...

Good morning

Of course I want to pet your belly

Do you think I’ll ever be good enough?

I wish I could see myself

Through your eyes

How are you so beautiful?

Do you think I’ll ever be pretty?

Do you ever feel the need,

To fake being ok?

Of course I’ll take your toy

And play.

Tug of war is easier

When it’s only with a toy.

I know your a dog

But do you ever play tug of war

With your own thoughts?...

Maybe –

Maybe I feel alone

In a crowded room

Where I am nothing –

But included

I know that I –

Am not beautiful

Or stunning –

Nothing above pretty

Yet I never go unnoticed

And I don’t understand why

And maybe in this crowded room

I feel lonely –

Because I know I don’t fit in

Everyone has a better friend

Than I could ever be

Someone to share

Their oldest memories

And that is someone

I could ne...

It’s happening

It’s finally here

They say I have nothing to fear

And yet my legs tremble

My tears burn my eyes

And I am still struggling

He told me I was pretty

And sweet

Told me I was unique

I believed him

I needed him

And then he pinned me to a wall

I know I said no

Know I protested

Yet I’m still being questioned

While he sits there

Waiting for the verdict

And still thinking he did ...

It’s happening

It’s finally here

They say I have nothing to fear

And yet my legs tremble

My tears burn my eyes

And I am still struggling

He told me I was pretty

And sweet

Told me I was unique

I believed him

I needed him

And then he pinned me to a wall

I know I said no

Know I protested

Yet I’m still being questioned

While he sits there

Waiting for the verdict

And still thinking he did ...

On days like these

I wish I believed

In Heaven

Wished I believed

In the great beyond

And that something wonderful

Waits for us

Because with the chill in the air

And the leaves falling

I think of you

It’s been almost a decade,

Since I got the news

Easter Sunday

Was essentially ruined

I called you frantically

Again, and again

Only to be met with your voicemail

I reached out

To friends of friends

C...

She has four legs

And a tail

And everyday

She makes me smile

Her deep brown eyes

And raised brows

Perky ears

And smile

She brings me her toy

Squeaking it loudly

Again and again

To try and entice me

Oh how I love her

This mischievous creature

My favorite part of the day

Is just she and I

With her head on my chest

And her sweetly closed eyes

And somehow chocolate

And hearts

And cards...

Now there are no letter grades

And I am not ok

How am I supposed to tell

If I am worth anything

When I brought home an A

My mom was happy

I got a reward from my teacher

And didn’t have to study so hard

I was worthwhile

And I was wanted

Now as an adult

I cannot bring home an A

on a report card

I can’t tell when someone else

Thinks that I hold value

I can barely breathe or think

With...

It’s sunshine

And flowers

And rain

The sound of it against a window

On a dreary, dismal day

It’s growing pains

And unkempt hair

And clothes

Tossed on the ground

Or anywhere except the hamper

It’s anger

And arguments

And tears

Some so happy they won’t be contained

And some of anger and pain

It’s their shirt

And the smell of it

And the feel of it

As you nestle your head on their sh...

The mist curled around my ankles, sending a shiver up my spine from the damp in the air. This was the best part of the day, walking the path to the river while the sun rose into the sky.

Father would be waiting for me on the boat, waiting for his breakfast and his forgotten coat, ready to tell me about the nights catch. As I walked I could practically smell him, the scent of his tobacco filled p...