only that lined sliver of fate
minutes, days, of a unique life form
choices and paths to delegate
I glance over my shoulder often
glare into that shadowed abyss
have I been chosenly marked
whispers, dreams, neck kissed
Each night there is a haunting moon
whispy clouds, phantom dogs howl
perhaps watched too many horror movies
but even in my dreams they somehow prowl
The time is drawing nearer
flickered apprehension inside me awakes
illusions may become shockingly concrete
present seconds so strongly the future make
No hesitated answers or faltering steps
make decisions without a regret
it's better to be standing proudly alone
then on your knees when death is met
Life is not to be taken lightly
blood flows a rich, vibrant river
so much obtained from a whimsful name
fate's so much more than a single sliver
All the time I watch that darkening abyss
only in my sleep do I vaguely ever see
thoughts scattered behind these ocean eyes
even though, I still often glance behind me
This all in past, present, and future
Books to study, dreams to ponder
Times to explore, hearts to suture.
I need time to daydream endlessly
Freedom for bridges to burn
Paces in life seem set slow
But how quickly lessons do learn.
Hold back my passions and desires
Though curious are my headings
Balancing on that line of innocence
Sometimes feels like thin ice treadings.
Pick apart to my truer self
Who knows who and why I am
A pure and true gift of an angel
The antichrist hidden in the damn.
Crimson tears do I sincerely weep
Though a soul and wisdom stronger
An experienced but weary sigh
As new days and years grow longer.
Familiar settings, painted faces
Conservative dark clothing a drape
Another chance, I think not
But rather seriously consider escape.
"The Envoy", The University of Findlay, OH. 1998.
In my colored mind, each dream is a vision
And each turn of the page meets yet another decision
All those shades of the butterfly
Flitting, fleeting into that clouded sky of blue
Is there for each of us only one that remains true
I stare at the sun, blind eyes see only you
All those shades of the butterfly
Each step is another warning to heed
Yet everyone demands and there's so much to need
One forest falls, joined hands plant another seed
All those shades of the butterfly
Curious voices, dreams, and rhymes in my mind
So many answers to riddles in life yet to find
Hardships unnumbered, only blood now to bind
All those shades of the butterfly
My desires and mistakes I will not deny
Reflections of the soul will shimmer in my eye
Smiling, stretching, in my dreams I can finally fly
All those shades of the butterfly
"Holding On To Forever", Watermark Press, MD. 2001.
