View distorts

Crooked lines

Judging self

Perception binds

View concave

Perhaps convex

Funhouse mirrors

View is hexed

My self-view

Twisted, thorns

Negativity

Piercing horns

What I see

from inside view

different from

its true hue

Rationally

self understands

emotionally

has upper hand

Sit in silence

contemplation

lovingkindness

realization

Others view

the imperfect

Compassion casts

ones true r...

I was standing in front of the television in the living room of my apartment with my ticket in hand. The numbers began streaming across the bottom of the television screen as the local newscaster simultaneously explained that the winning ticket had been purchased in our town. I had to do a double take at my lottery ticket--no freaking way this was happening. I fell back on the sofa without look...

I hardly notice.

The downward spiral began weeks ago.

A general malaise that sinks between the cushions,

suffocating the Ego,

strangling my worth.

Until I'm worthless.

How odd the mind ping pongs

like a fly in a room, walls made of glass.

I'm hopelessly trapped to the point

that I pray the flyswatter comes.

Then...

I rise, like a deep sea diver

that finally reaches the surface,

and see the li...

Today we went to see fireworks

And it was so much fun

I didn’t stop watching the the colors

Until it was all done

My favorite were the popping ones

That exploded first and then

All the little piece

They all exploded again

My little sister cried

She did not like the noise

My parents were so smart

The brought her lots of toys

I’m glad we didn’t bring

Our family dog Dax

He doesn’t like loud noises...

Matthew stood next to his sister, Kayla. Parcels were scattered throughout the lifeless street. Christmas lights, once hung along the brownstones with great care, were now draped onto the sidewalks, streets, and discarded Christmas trees. It had all started so quickly.

"Where is everybody? Where do you think they took them?" asked Kayla.

"Probably a processing facility." Matthew picked up...

Mike stood in front of his ex, Hannah. The northerly wind from this overcast day gave a little bite to the March afternoon. He had his cup of coffee in his hand and was headed back to his new place. Trees lined the sidewalk in front of the coffee shop. "So...how have things been?"

Hannah kept her face emotionless, a royal flush only she knew and refused to hint about. "Wonderful," she answer...

If I count the ways I love you,

There would be ten.

That’s how many fingers I have.

I’m a toddler.

I love you cause you’re my mommy.

I love your shoes (I’m looking right at them).

I love goldfish crackers.

I love your hair (I pull on it).

Can I have a snack?

I love you.

I love ice cream (Can you give me some?)

I love your shirt.

I love your shoes (yes, again).

That’s it. Yes, it’s only eight—...

The girl half hopped and half ran into the room. The grubby hand, no doubt covered with snot from her ever running nose, clutched a clumsily wrapped gift. The buses had just dismissed, the kids told to sit along the wall outside the classroom until the teachers greeted them at the door. Still, Kylie obviously couldn’t wait, rushing past the other children into the classroom. Of course this act ga...

Her tone, hollow yet honest,

twisted a knife of another.

Can texts even have tone?

She was going through a lot,

and I get it.

But my ego swelled, unhealthy and dark.

Will anybody love me?

Why has everyone I've ever loved

left?

There was no date,

at least not officially.

Her passive voice contradicted mine.

I am one with limited experience,

a helpless romantic,

a swan diver into pools of jagg...