From the cradle to the grave, it is some people’s job To take care of you either we like it or not Doctors, nurses, midwives, mothers, and fathers The work of these people cannot be lost, if we want it so That is why in…

The trouble with being alone is Being Alone: There’s no one around to help Scrub the Dishes To help Clean Up Messes (Or even to Make Them) And when you want Take-Out or Quick Meals There’s no one to join you in the eating Everything…

Fingernails catch on lizard scales I’m shedding snakelike skin It’s picking heaven I know every spot I’m just checking it’s all still there Subcutaneous mountain range Past battles set in flesh Each lump, each mound The hidden scars I’m just checking it’s all still there…

Dear Grandma Pauline, It has been years since you were called home. I miss your quiet strength, and your beautiful, kind spirit. You were always the best combination of Southern sass, heart, and grace. I remember when you would take my hand and walk with…

Day in day out I stop and pray Never knowing what will come my way If not for me for others and so I stop and pray everywhere I go Be it in the car or sitting at home Whoever’s in need, whatever is shown…

Each time I pace this route I see new offerings 3 doves, the gloss of the holly if there is a time to feel mortal, it is now. all the plums are forming, an altar under a tree a bottle hangs on a branch We…

The Toll of Toxicity The ghosts of my past have started to haunt me. I know that they are really just humans, but that is scary nonetheless. I am scared that they will hurt me Or that someone will find out. My life could be…

Take a deep breath, drink water, brush teeth, splash face with warm water, try not to cry, use Pond’s Cold Cream generously, slather it thick, wash it off, remember you have short hours and shorter years. Cry again, rinse well, don’t look in the mirror,…

Pick ‘em up. Set ‘em down. Got to keep going. Can’t stop. Don’t walk. Clicking IPod button Must find a faster song. Repeat song. Repeat song. Pick ‘em up. Set ‘em down. Ugh, how many more miles do I have to go. Keep going, the…

I breathe for a living. Not your ordinary breathing. Inhalation and exhalation IS life literally and figuratively, we all respire modulating between the inhalation uptick adrenaline unleashed in measured drippings and the exhalation down cycle release and renewal. We live between excitation and relaxation, rising…