Poetry

by

abilene paradox…

how has time
changed
you
what dreams
have
you forgotten
or
abandoned
leaving
empty spaces
in
your heart
and
mind
seen by some
as
a far away look
or
just plain emptiness
that
you
cannot explain
to
those who ask
is there something wrong
a question
rarely answered
in
truth
just the typical offering
of
empty platitudes
things are fine
nothing to worry about
couldn’t be better
or
some other
verbal detour
from
the truth
served up with a practiced smile
but
closing your eyes
you can see
that empty space
but
you decide
to
move on
into
the new day
without
what’s been missing
for
so long

 

by

combat episodes…

he’d seen
every
john wayne
movie
and
every
episode
of
cops
his
black
spit shined
boots
set off
his
neatly pressed
military
fatigues
and
sheriff’s badge
looking
totally
combat ready
carrying
the M4 carbine
slung
across
his chest
he was
well prepared
for
his starring
role
so with cameras
rolling
the team
burst
into
the family’s home
shattering
the wooden door
with
explosives
then
flash grenades
to
dramatize
their entry
finding
crying children
mother
naked
in bed
father
slammed
to
the floor
as
he tried to defend
those
he loved
then
shots fired
teenage son
in pool
of
innocent blood
dark like
his skin
radio interrupts
the production
filming
they’re
at
the wrong
address

by

there must be something wrong..

that clock
on
the wall
doesn’t seem
to
move
at all
i’ve been sitting here
for
an eternity
listening
and watching
that
clock
on the wall
and
it hasn’t moved
one
quarter
of
an inch
while
the out pouring of words
seems
quite
disproportionate
to
the
time that passed
i’ve swung
my feet
in every possible direction
while
posed
upon
this pew
and
been told
by
mom
to
just
sit still
until
the sermons
done
but
it seems to me
he’s attempting
to
recreate
what god
took
six days
to
do
why can’t
we
just
cut to the chase
and
get
to that final
amen

 

by

something i should have repeated…

i travel
an empty road
night driving
away from you
your tears
still fresh
in my eyes
last meeting
my choice
inside
something
just didn’t feel
right
you’re
perfect
in everyone’s eyes
but
mine
my words
weren’t heard
by you
hurt deafens
finally
just walked away
nothing left
to
say
nothing to hear
but
the
silence
of
an empty road