broad strokes
on a large canvas
evoke emotions never felt before
expression bared
a body and soul
nuance takes hold

i wonder about the state of our nation. i’m haunted by a lack of success.

i worry about things outside my control. i watch the ambulance arrive next door.

a flurry of activity invites me in. none of my business (but we’re all human).

walking by it catches my eye
something shiny, stars in the sky
lighted signs i’m meant to find

bright neon letter warnings
make believe’s the new reality
surrounded suddenly by every feeling

play the game
or it plays you
get off the train
go somewhere new
juxtaposing views
cause and effect
you misconstrued
shaping life’s menu
so many options
which will you choose?

judgement is always made unfairly
it casts aside possibility, all that could be
as though its disposable, empty

you don’t even have to try
destruction felt with every lie
though with every word - denial

the lovers met once again
their favorite secret space
eager eyes and mouths descend
they’re offered just a taste

their families disapproving
forcing the hand of fate
a love weighed down with gravity
held firmly in one place

competing priorities
which will succeed?
she for her and him for he
a lesson in what can be believed
truth discreet
so it’s hard to see
living in pure obscurity

sitting in the waiting room
his name will be called soon

he’ll be asked about his secrets
ones he had hoped to keep

secrets can be dangerous things
feeding the appetite of lying

in the mirror you see a man
jaw set tight, tall he stands

i see the little boy within
still learning what is and isn’t his

a boy who can’t leave mom behind
so instead projects onto his wife

hope is a splendid thing
that’s why
when it’s lost
it feels like
drowning