We Gather

We gather. Together. Let our masksDown only to take a bite or imbibeA liquored dose of what we need.Our distance adequate for loveTo bloom over other…

Dad, a poem for father and son

After listening to Father Son by Peter Gabriel For Dad, for Bobby, for me I am still trying. A fight still in my eyeThat glistens through…

The Ghost of Tom Burwell

After Jean Toomer’s “Blood-Burning Moon” Tom, come sit with me, ghost.Show me the rage born of loveA kindness that melts awayWith the kerosene artlesslyPainted at your…

The Caged Bird, with audio

Sings louder uncaged in streetsProving a dream deferred doesExplode.Yes, we have found the answerTo a question thatNeverShouldHaveNeededAsking.But Hughes didBecause it didNeed asking.Now we know…The caged bird…

Pause. One (with audio)

Pause. The words have been mine,So much my own they tire me.I can breathe, others cannot and soAnd so…My words tire me; hear others’ wordsTo let…

A Quartet and an Epitaph

Turn your head and… Some days the past comes Breaking the fourth wall Grabbing me by the balls Telling me to turn my head And spit.…

I Wake Screaming

Beep beep beep punctuates the evening rituals – story, snack, teeth, songs – the red light releases my security to someone, somewhere else. In the comfort…

I Wake Laughing

I wake laughingFinally, everyone in on the joke, my dream shakes my belly and I wakeLaughing. Not screaming as has beenThe case. Good. I wake laughing.I…