It Is What It Is

I refuse to accept that this is goodbye,

that we'll never hold hands as we gaze at the sky, 

I just cannot fathom a you without I,

I better stop thinking of this.

Thousands of miles and hours untold,

between us, horizons of blue and of gold,

and I think we both know how the distance grows old,

Let's agree to part ways with a kiss. 

Farewells aren't forever, let's each of us grow,

just learning to live in the sand or the snow, 

and regardless of words, we- both of us- know,

Life always is what it is. 

Notes to Juniper Rose

Enjoy it, you know? 

Drink it in- 

the air that 

burns your lungs 

and squeezes tight 

your eyes. 

Leave your mark 

on every white-covered 

tree and 

sidewalk and 

pile of dirt, and 

do not stop 

until you see yourself 

in puddles stilled 

by frost. 

Don't hide in shadow. 

Soak yourself 

in sun-warmed lakes, 

make friends with 

leeches and 

loons alike, 

refuse to go first 

in a crosswalk, 

eat hotdish and 

wear as many sweaters 

as you can cram 

into your closet. 

Enjoy it.

You know.

Lullabye

Wrap them up tight, 

just like twine on a spool, 

cover in comfort and warmth. 

Some words are bandages, 

some soothe the ache, 

some prevent threatening harm. 

Hold them in close, 

nestled close to your heart, 

rock to sleep lulled by the beat. 

These words are lighthouses, 

guiding you home,

lamp lights on darkening streets. 

Silent Haiku

The moon is silent,

So too is the too bright sun.

I yearn to hear them speak. 

To Me

It feels like fall, 

which feels like change, 

which feels like you 

to me. 

I smell the cold, 

which feels like hands, 

which feels like you 

to me.

The wind is gray, 

which feels like ache, 

which feels like you 

to me. 

TKG FTW

All the words are yours,
each and every stanza, Love.
They always have been.

Second Act

And so we go,

pictures off walls, 

socks rolled around vases,

pared down wardrobes 

and unprepared hearts. 

This is our new adventure,

we wanted this once,

but we have never been 

so alone. 

Failure's Not an Option

Dreams were made to be chased, 

my love. 

Cast your net into the deep, 

set your eyes on distant stars, 

hold fast the golden ring.

Do not let fear cut short 

your outstretched arm:

you were not made to fail. 

Rain or Shine

When the darkness comes,

when the skies are gathered gray, 

I will still be here. 

Nothing I Can Do: Total Eclipse

Some call it a miracle, 

to others it's mundane: 

that sun and moon, so opposite, 

are somehow just the same. 

Home

It has always been,

and always will be, darling:

Home is next to you.

Southern Exposure

Hearts that lay bare, 

I've got southern exposure;

stomach in knots, 

hold on tight to composure. 

Change is a surety, 

sure as a promise, 

follow the compass, 

I'll show you what love is. 

Willing and Idle

So we sit as we watch 

the death of our nation, 

the train can't stop-
(get off the tracks). 

Good hands left wringing, 

idle but willing, to steer us 

towards that which we lack. 

So we sit as we watch 

our children get murdered, 

beaten and shot at, abused. 

Then we cry and we whimper, 

begging the heavens, 

sick with the violent news. 

We sit and we watch

as our lives fall to pieces- 

less than just rubble, they're dust. 

Both sides claim righteousness, 

both clutch their weapons, 

so tell me now, who do we trust? 

Charlottesville

How can joy be found
in another's life, shattered?
Inexplicable.

You Said

You said:

I don't know how to talk to her, 

don't know how to fold my words 

small enough to fit in her ear, 

don't know which question to ask 

to get the answers I need to hear.  

You said:

They should call me the Steamroller.

I am always too much truth 

wrapped up in too little tact, 

too much push forward when 

I should pull back.

You said:

I think there is something wrong with me.

Why can't I open my heart 

before building a wall?

Why do I cower when 

I should stand tall? 

You said:

Maybe love isn't meant 

to be easy. 

Prodigal

So you come back home,

weary and broken-hearted.

Here you will find peace. 

Winds of Change

The winds of change, darling,

they're blowin', 

I hear 'em howlin' for me. 

They call me out to the future, 

a future that no one can see. 

Distant horizons, 

they beckon, 

sunsets on still unknown hills. 

Someplace is waiting for someone,

(Aren't I a somebody still?)

I see a brand new 

adventure:

strangers destined to be friends.

I feel the winds start their shifting,

the question is where they will end.