Of course I am smiling.  I define me. I am a prude that wears the red lipstick that people once considered rude if not on the lips of women with low discretion. We smile together now. Because we know it means freedom…and power. I am…

Rainer, The name called out to her Like a perfect note played on a piano The woman couldn’t remember where the name came from It just came about within her mind Rainer She soon realized that she could think again What was thinking? She quickly…

I am vapid I am vain I am pleasure I am pain I am salvation I am disdain I am the bounty I am the bane I am corrosive I am inane I am possessive I am the rain I am delirious I am insane…

I’m alone in this room In this city, with so many I’m alone and I compromise With my biggest disguise I am alone and I compromise With so much effort, like a child I’m meant to be with you all I’m meant to communicate and…

I am… …all I am… …nothing and all … … at the same time. I am sadness trapped within myself lost in a space of time Caught in an endless loop that can’t be measured,  unstoppable destruction. restless madness. I carry lost moments  and regrets. …

There are words creeping across the meadow, here beside the Queen’s Highway. I can hear them out there on their little legs, all As and Ms and Peg-leg P, no doubt with that infernal, pop-gun, piratical pistol. Please, pardon my alliteration. They’re making their plans,…

Daughter, Sister, Woman I am all of these things with out choice, designations from life   Teacher, Mentor, Leader I am all of these things because of need, others views of me   Poet, Artist, Creator I am all of these things by drive, instincts…

I’m gunnery the 8th, I am. Gunnery the 8th, I am, I am. He’s buried in the ditch, he is. Buried in the ditch he is, he is. And every time I think about him there, I recall that we’ve done this before. There’s always…

It trickled down slowly Then got united Made a line Started flowing It passed through the dressing table Where she combed her hair It got out of the closed door No one was outside No one waiting for her No one to ask No one…

So much is left to “thoughts and prayers.” It’s become meaningless like no one really cares. Empty words won’t stem the tide of mass shootings or suicides. What we need are better laws and bolder leaders to take up the cause. Gun reform. The time…