Out of Control

My mind may be out of control,

but the way I love makes it whole.

The confidence I lack doubles back,

but my feelings fend off any doubts.

My soul attacks intrusive thoughts.

My evolving perspective cools the jets

often too hot. Sometimes, it feels like

two people playing racquetball inside

my head. I can feel my body tense up.

My heart crashes against a worn chest.

What is out of control is out of my

control. No sense in worrying because

time is hurrying. No need to suffer twice.

The time will come and acceptance will

prevail. There are more seas to sail.

Out of control and into my soul. Life

will fall into place at the end of the race.

Past Tense

What is done is done. We wave hello to the sun.

We never forgot about the moon. We need both

the fork and the spoon. The day may be gone,

and time may be flying, but I am still trying.

In the sky, I see birds bobbing and weaving.

I can’t take my eye off what is now leaving.

I loved, cried, and smiled in the past tense.

I live in the present where it just makes sense.

The memories stay as the past fades away.

The future is bright: I’ll be there one day.

know your worth

Don’t sell yourself short.

Stand tall when you fall.

Know what you’re worth.

What are you made of?

When people talk junk,

know that it’s made up.

When you wake up, get up.

Look in the mirror and see

yourself as a grand prize.

You’re worth more than

you realize. Chest out. Chin

up. You’re a freaking rooster.

The rest of them are ducks.

No need to be a vacuum

when the world already sucks.

Blaze a path. No need to do

the math. Cha-ching. You are

rare art: the very best thing.

Know you’re worth more than

you ever know. Go and get it,

and never sell out. You know

what you’re about. Stand tall.

You are good enough. Know

that you are best in show.

You are priceless: the nicest.

You will never be worthless.

Don’t worry; that’s my request.

Baby Gray

Since the day you were born,

you’ve shined brighter than

a shooting star blasting across

the pitch-black sky. You glisten

in the reflection of my eye.

Your wide smile cheers me up.

Your youthful eyes tell me that

the sun will surely rise again.

At just 8 months old, you’ve

given me the ability to see

that life has many meanings.

You have taught me to love

unconditionally. You fill me

with joy and energy. I can be

me with you. I am so proud

to be your dad, baby Gray.

You’ve given me the light

that I cherish night and day.

Fragmented

Pieces of the human soul become blended

like potions in a cauldron. The body

houses a soul once whole. Like a puzzle,

pieces of the past stick to new memories.

Love is the glue that holds together

parts of my heart once severed. Days

go on: the present becomes the past. Life

slows down only when we do. It’s true;

the glass we look through is fragmented:

a mosaic of sorts. Lines often blur. Things

don’t seem to fit. There’s a growing list.

You will be okay. Do as you once wished.