it’s happened again
I saw you across the room
took my breath away
Briny thoughts
navigating briny seas
salt encrusted thoughts and words
squinting against the searing sun
he was parched
gripping the rail
allowing himself to remember
just for a short while
the gentle rocking
of another journey
how she felt
her smooth lines
under his calloused hands
her curves in the light
as she moved in shadow
he would inspect her
from bow to stern
and feel the excitement
of setting out on adventures
the tales
the storms
the quiet of night
he craved something to quench his thirst
but would not move from port side
where he could best recall
her every move
how she handled
dipping and rising
how he commanded
with calm and precision
before she was gone
to another horizon
and he blamed
the spraying brine
for the errant tear that shone in his eye
best to hold fast
to the rail
and command
and plunder anew
since the waves would only push him forwards
Sleight of Hand
well that’s just ridiculous
shadows and sleight of hand
it’s magic, that’s what it is
why don’t we saw each other in half
and just get it over with
nobody will believe you chose me
you’re the damn ringmaster
while my spangles are tarnished
my tights are in tatters
and you shine like the noonday sun
so steady, stoic
bloody dashing, good
did you start as a lion tamer
because you’ve soothed my beast
we kissed, you cupped my cold hands
I may have set my sights too high
but never reached for the rings
I just dreamt and there you were
you fell but maybe I tripped you
we have no net now
traveling together
we’re freewheeling through space
bystanders entertained
small children delighted
I have no need of a big finish
so put away your plans
don’t you see
it’s not the high wire but the trapeze
we’re meant to fly and meet and part
and meet again
because it’s sweet
I can dust myself off
but never match your glow
but if you let me bask a little
I’ll do my part
and we’ll hold onto real magic
Richer With You
your arms wrap around me like a cozy sweater
your warmth seeps into my cold bones
let the wind whip all around us
a dream is withstanding this storm
my dreams were not big enough
my scope not nearly as wide as could be
so many unexpected delights
there’s so much more we’ve found
exploring, finding comfort
expressing, needing kindness
touching, feeding the fires within
thinking, sharing ideas
tasting, traveling with senses
escaping, shutting out the world instead of time eroding the magic
rather than routine wearing away at the shine
the years that pass just seem too fast
it gets better and richer with you every time
Autumn Chill
will there ever be a day when he won’t be like a sliver under my skin
or will I always carry the painful burr
a reminder of the finer times
when fun was important
learning was exciting
every place was exotic
sleep was a luxury
the way he whispered my name felt like spring rain
the way he laughed felt like summer sun
I’m on the verge of autumn
and it hurts like a chill to the bone
The Word Rummager 