to the ones I miss

To the ones I miss, I hope
you get the gist. I still see
you in the mist. You are
in the shadows, inside my
mind. You are the time
that continues to tick.
You are the remedy that
heals the sick. I am fire
and you are the wick.
I am the tongue and you
the lick. You are the air
that I breathe: life I can’t
see. You are the breeze
that refuses to leave.
To the ones I miss, just
know that our love will
continue to grow. Now,
I feel more than I see
and I appreciate that
the ones I miss will
stay by my side still.

Memory Bank

Deep in my mind, memories get stored.
My brain is a steel trap that opens
and closes. It’s impossible not to
remember a burning fire and how
it came from an ember. My mind
is a bank that will never be blank.
Blank checks and recurring thoughts
do not need to be bought. My mind
does not idle. Boredom often rivals
constant brain activity. It’s on file.
Memories deposited take refuge
in the deep depths where thoughts
of life and death intersect. Accounts
of my life stay full as good moments
fill my soul. Overdraft fees bring me
to my knees and memories do as
they please. My memory bank fills
up like a cup that never spills.

The Boogeyman

Once a night, the Boogeyman visits 
kids who stay up, kids who are bad, 
and kids who don’t believe. Under 
the bed and inside your head,  
the Boogeyman creeps around. 
The Boogeyman lurks without 
a sound. He hangs around. He 
waits for the perfect moment 
to become visible. He attacks 
in the dead of the night when 
the parents cut off the light. 
During the day, the Boogeyman 
takes the shape of a politician, 
a teacher, a secretary, a mom, 
a dad, a pastor, a police officer, 
or a homeless man under 
the bridge. The Boogeyman 
returns to his true form after 
he conforms. Beware of his 
gaze. Don’t make eye contact 
as it serves as an unwritten 
contract. Have no fear. Don’t 
be scared. All you need to be 
is aware. Sleep tight tonight. 
If something doesn’t feel right, 
get up and turn on the light. 

No need

No need to be caught up

when you can catch up.

No need to feel angry

when you are happy.

No need to stress out

when nothing is happening.

No need to reveal a frown

when the world’s upside down.

No need to drop heavy tears

when you think of past years.

No need to stare at the clock

when time is taking a walk.

No need to blast the past

when the future comes fast.

No need to be hard on yourself

when you can ask for help.

No need to quit the fight

when the finish is in sight.

Pity Party

Would you like to come to my party?

It would be a shame if you didn’t.

When you arrive, you will listen

to sob stories and whining galore.

At this party, you will receive pity.

If that’s what you want, come by.

We will all feel really bad for you.

We will sympathize with all you do.

You don’t want to miss this pity party.

Come! Quick! The complaints are starting.