Girl in the Mirror

When did the reflection become

So strong

Wavering and slight at first

Illuminated brightly from within.

And now

Her image

Sharply defined

The same

But separate

Proud

It is her own

A touch of her spirit

In the eyes and laughter

In the mouth.

Reaching out to touch

The face that is hers

Yet is not.

Daughter of mine

Alike but keener

In color and in song.

More

Yearning for deepness
She tugged
Meeting
Resistance
And was dismayed.
He only wanted
Surface
Languid ease
No measure
Or charge
With beauty
Deep within her
Glistening stories of
Needing
So much more.
Spiritless paddling
On the calm surface
Longing for adventure
Filling her with images of
More
Only more.
He didn't see her
Strength
Couldn't see her
Delicate bloom
Of life within
She flexed and flipped
Breaking his light hold
About her slender wrist
Leaving the dry mark
Upon her dampened skin.
She swam
Away
Seeking more
Offering more
More
Was all she'd share.

And so I am

And so I am
Motionless
Outside myself
Watching me
Watching you
Knowing you mark me
An ornament
An extension
And so I am.
Aroused
Inside myself
Seeing me
Seeing you
Knowing I am more
Not less
Not without
And so I am.

Holiday Break

Summer was easy
So far from the lights
And warm cinnamon smells
It had always been
Her time
Off
Away from work
Just play
With children
Home from school
The storm hit
Raging against
Her skin
And tossing her heart
Upon the rocks
Splitting it in two
The him
The her
No longer sharing
Not one
Holiday
Used to sound
So pretty
Sparkly tinsel
Cookie cutter
Joy
Now forced
To share
Impressed upon
The three
Balancing their
Time
We each saw as unequal
Unfair
Unjust
Blinded by our greed
To have that feeling restored
And now I see the
Fairness
For them
That they can
Share
The spirit
Of both
Of all
And make this
Christmas
Wholly

Alternate Course

Releasing the rope
She watched it
Snake away
Into the dark of her desire
Releasing her from
Perceived safety
Only a tether
To a path
She didn't want
A drag preventing her
From progress
Beyond
Unfettered
She breathed
Filling her lungs with
Her own breath
The sound singular and
Hers alone.
Pristine and raw
Exhaling
She turned to find her way
Again.

His melody

Ascending
Nature's epoch stairway
Attentive to the music
Falling on my ears
Within my heart.
Each song
Harmonizing a moment
Wrapping round
The somber blues
An elated march
the throb
Of tender love.
Praying for
Caressing
And upbeat
Never those
Deafening drums
Of regret or sorrow.
Play on
Spirit band
Lift me up
O lovely journey
Each note
A stepping stone
Taking me home.

fresh kill

Every battle
Retreating a step
Or two
Each time
Surrendering
A tiny piece of me.
Not missing much
At first
Eventually
Bearing a wound
Throwing off
My balance
And serenity.
Nursing the hurt
Cultivating the lust
Which wasn’t even love.
Wrestling with thoughts
Of losing you
Needlessly worried
For there was no more to give
And hungry
You moved on
Looking for fresh kill.