A poem We step into all gladness. And all pain. For there is no difference between them. We take our leave as we entered, innocent and unblemished. We remain pure. Love and all its accompaniments, remains our faithful companion. It is all there is, in the end. We take it with us, we draw it in like breath, to sustain and solidify our path ahead. Even now, there is no turning of the head. But there's still joy, loping lightly alongside the sorrow. Because at last there is peace, despite what...

A poem The sound of my dreams cracking under the relentless weight of your insecurity feels like stolen breath. I take small, shallow sips now, through my lips like a straw. The limited air makes me desperate. I need to go outside. Take big, heaving unapologetic breaths, making good noise. The sound of my dreams now has grown small. You pick off pieces of them slowly and casually, as if doing me a favor. Or as if you need them more than me, and can somehow crawl into them even when they don't...

A poem You of the permanent frown and furrowed brow. Wrinkling your forehead. Mock mockery. You walk into rooms defensive, the opportunity to be offended sure. Crossed arms, wide stance. Making you even shorter. I see you out of the corner of my eye. Already my anxiety is in full bloom, my hands wringing metaphorically in my mind. I too stand in defense. But mine is for myself. I need to be quick to appease you. Your narrowed eyes and gruff attitude are now mine to deal with. Your feelings my...