The Lie

July 24, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

I lied. The initial seed of disappointment has fermented, and in the absence of confrontation, grown roots written sorrowful chaptersconclusion: unworthiness Why couldn’t I just have said:I don’t understandthis makes me unhappy? Where did I learn that prevarication protectsthat I alone am responsible for emotionsthat I do not matter? Decades laterI still cannot uproot the […]

On The State Of Humanity

May 22, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Inwardly we glow…so it’s said I shudderignorance gratinglike brancheson my windowpane Hope is a foxmesmerizes,draws me out,then disappears If inwardly we glow…then why am I so cold? (Image my own.)

Beat Goes On

May 18, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Big band galasSeaside dancehallsSwing dancingMen in uniformMemory-soakeddaydreams likeshots of adrenalinearthritic fingers tapto a distant tune. (Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson.Image my own)

Stifled Progress

March 7, 2021.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Nothing about the job intimidates him –has lived the ups and downs of mental health –besides, he cries for the children, abandonedwho jump from home to institution, lost. Nods at warnings about attachment knows all the drills of the hospital feels certain he’s found his place – is hit hard by the rejection Seems personal […]

Flee The Cult

December 29, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

A life of servitude,the guru said,surely leads to Nirvana No debate permitted –we are but plebesanswer his every need mere women, bornto serve, to nurture… I flee the cult Why? Because I can.Servitude does notnegate free will. (Tuesdays, I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson. Image my own.)

Time To Cruise Is Not Now

December 28, 2020.Reading time 1 minute.

Is there an itinerary for this lockdown?I watch as engagements line up Adventure-seekers, eager to connectwillingly engage, purchase a ticket How I would give my life to be a parthop aboard a sailing ship, escape Except disability has recalled my passport;I am a vehicle without fuel, grounded Disappointment and I watch as familiar faces venture […]

Untamed

December 10, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Too young to understandethos of beauty regimesshe rejects girlish ritualssees beauty in naturein glitter of make-believe This abnegation of groomingnot rebellion, but appreciationa nuance that escapesMother’s frustrated efforts. (My granddaughters balk at having their hair done, something that drove me crazy as a parent, but now reminds me of myself as a child. One generation […]

Familial

November 17, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

History invents theoremgeneration repeatingvariations on a miseryabsent fathersmothers overwhelmedheartache weldedinto young psychestill inspiration invitesa new hypothesis. (Tuesdays I borrow from Twitter @Vjknutson. Image my own.)

Dead Are Unimpressed

October 11, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

A cruel masterthe ticking clockSo much potentialGet it done! I rush past shadowscrumple the pagesfailed attemptsmounting What of dreams?Of life’s destiny?How I worshipat the altar of should Even with positivityfantastical notions fall shortI argue against uncertaintymeet only disapproval There is no magicno pre-destined famejust dust gatheringthe dead are unimpressed. (Linking up with Reena’s Exploration challenge: […]