I WOULD WAKE UP EARLY

i think about it a lot
how i'd start my day
if i didn't have to ride that train to work
i would wake up early
before the sun
and make my way to the edge of the lake
where the short waves break
against the rocks
and i would find the one
that was flat
for sitting
and drink my tea
and take my shoes off
and maybe the water would rise up
before the sun
splashing against my feet every so often
and i would watch her rise
her single, slow, deliberate task
over the waves
waking them to the boats on their backs
and in that moment
as she met me with a warm promise
i would lift my hand
my single, slow, deliberate task
and wave to her
hello

THE PATH

i live and die
in unwavering pursuit
of a dream
not that i may get there
but that i may find
that the path
if trust
in diligence
is taken
will lead me
not where i want to go
but where i'm meant to be

THE MACHINE

the machine
in me
has no switches
on or off
he comes
and goes
and no one knows
his name
not even me
all i know
is that i wish
he'd come
or go
for good

JUST LOOK

i am in continual exaltation of beauty
because i throw myself carelessly
fearlessly
into everything
and do nothing
i've been told
is possible
and because of this
i am what i was
and will always be
just look at what i do

I FIND IT HARD TO SAY

you're right.
i am addicted.
it's my fault.
i'm sorry.
don't go.
i'm in love with you.

AN OPEN LETTER TO YOUR HANDS

your hands
keep crawling back
and reaching out
like i owe them something
just for existing
never forgiveness
just simple acknowledgment
that at the end of the day
they continue to play
their simple role
in my life
and why not?
you see a picture of me
and are reminded of
how much you meant to me
as i held them
warmed them
kissed them -
well, the truth is
i never knew your middle name
or your mom
or the color of your eyes
i wasn't listening to your sadness
and i've forgotten what you smell like
and it's not that i don't think of you fondly -
i just never really think of you at all
the girl you wish you were
is the girl that came before and after
and you should know
that even though i liked you
i never liked your hands