Under the Hood

Look under the hood
before you ride.
Discover what drives
you. Cars with dents
and dings still run.
Being an older car
takes you just as far.
Every car is different.
Some cars are new.
Others just make do.
Different builds, colors,
and interiors show
us not one single car
is superior. Stop.
Pop the hood and
get a good look.
If you can tell that
all is well, then go
faster. Drive further.
Change the oil,
buckle up, and hit
the gas. No need to
make it last because
in the end, whether
we were slow or fast,
we crash or get passed.


Day Ones

Shoutout to my day ones! They keep me grounded.
My day ones have been there; they have been
around. They were there to keep me safe – to help
me, even if it was late. My day ones showed me
a light that was kept from my sight. Day in,
day out, life became more important. Life
suddenly was a flame that could now be tamed.
In the midst of chaos, we would not focus on
the loss. We had fun with no attention paid
to the cost. My day ones are real ones. I know
I can count on them. They know I am there
for them, and I always have been. Day one:
our lives began. Then, we noticed the fast
hands of time. Now, we wish we can hit
rewind. Time’s flown, and my friends and I,
well, we are grown. Regardless, my day
ones may have aged, but our love for each-
other has come and has remained the same.

Raise the Bar

Try to face challenges
that bring your best
self out. Walk away
from the path that was
once your past. Reach
for the stars you seek.
Raise the bar and see
life from the highest
valley. Be better than
you were yesterday.
Don’t run in place.
Find strength to go
against the grain
despite the pain.
Feel peace at last.
Enjoy what you have
before it becomes
a part of your past.
It’s not too late. Raise
the bar if you can
and find a place you
would want to land.

Inside the Outside

I fell inside the outside.
In my mind, I lose track
of time. I have been
inside the outside. I ride
outside to find a life
lived from the inside out.
Maybe, I can find myself
in a place without a face.
From inside to outside,
true feelings will arise.
From low to high, I fly
inside the outside of life
to get a better sight.
See life from this side
before good times hide.

The Other Way

I went the other way. Away from the light
of day. I went to see what it was like to
climb the tallest peak. I waved and wished
luck to those going the other way. They were
happy to go. So was I. Away, I went, on a path
that was new and scary. Light ran the other
way. I pushed on, past the darkest path.
When I arrived to the hill, I sprinted
up to the top. I didn’t stop; I stomped my foot,
yelling: “Look, I found the peak!” I was high
enough to see what we’ve been looking for.
I found our lost village. I don’t know why
I went the other way. I just knew there was
more to be seen. I went the other way
to find a forgotten place – once erased.