[where there’s fire]
fighting thru
the startled void
lost in the throes
and rattle of death
it is not until later
that we realize
some of the darkest places we’ve been
is where we found the strength
to come back to life.
*
[tightropes and tire irons]
subtle vagueness
to tons of bricks
from bombardment
comes balance
a hefty sway
changing course
for the better
no detours
only roads meant to be taken
to get us where we need to go
embrace the unknown adventures
of every moment awakened
and seek nothing more
toward which to aspire
but your truest presence.
*
[crawling in love]
slow the pendulum swings
curvature catching the light
strumming heartstrings
in the coming evening’s cool
hours like days
in the long road mind
stronger from past pain
easier for hard times endured
a new sunset
toward which to ride
as twilight falls
upon the smiling summer.
*
[burning bones]
pacing dark rooms
in and out of the mind
as summer’s dead heat bears down
as winter’s whiteness whirls elsewhere
searching the heart
for the answers
night after night after night
futilely trying to fathom
how we continue to live
with all the things
we will never understand.
*
[stay sharp]
keep the middle clear
but choose your side
life itself is revolution
be the flower
cracking thru
the concrete
be ready
to be the whisper
or the scream
but be wise to which
is called for and when
help lessen another’s load
listen
look
liberate each moment
from the shackles of time
where every blink,
every breath is new
stand within the circle
of persistent light even
in your darkest hours
and though it might never be easy
if you accept that it will always
be necessary
you’ve already won.
***
“Clothed in the dust of this suffering world
I celebrate the days in my own way.”
- Kobayashi Issa
Dispatches from the Suicide Hours of Immortality 