We search the earth
to try to find things
that remain hidden.
We try to stand up
when we stay sitting.
We chase and race to
invisible finish lines.
We need to remember
to check the time now
and again. We search
far and wide; things
we want love to hide.
We ask some questions
that don’t have answers.
The answer will come
before the day is done.
Afterwards, I felt better.
I said what I needed
to say. I needed to speak –
to allow my words to be
real – on the other side of
my skull – from my soul.
I needed to cool off: chill.
I tried to think before
I talked and after words,
I now know if I’ve been
heard. Beforehand, know
that I was hot and cold.
I was both young and old.
After words, I feel better.
I know I have grown up.
Afterwards, understand
my demand and take
my hand. Lead me to
a place that’s bright
and blue and open, too.
Where do we go after
words? Do we stay?
Either way, I will be here
before or afterwards.
If I am down, will you be, too?
If I am sad, will you be, too?
If I am mad, will you be, too?
Are you down to be around?
If I smile, will you frown?
If I scream, will you hear
my sound? If I dream,
will I be free? Are you down
to be down? I am down.
I hope you are down, too.
I’m surrounded by clocks
with hands that never stop.
I feel time slipping
with my reality shifting.
How can something I can’t see
afford me the chance to breathe?
I never question the hands
that control my time and plan.
I live the best I can.
I’ve escaped the hands of time
and found hands just like mine.
IN YOUR DREAMS POETRY 