Gripped

There is a longing
An unfulfilled need
That grips me
An ache that is sewn-in
Entangled deep within me
Threads that pull when I breathe
Nostalgic images
Illusory visions
I blink to hold in
There is
An unfulfilled aching
That grips me
Because there is a fear
Of letting go -
Of finding what I need
That I allow to plague me.

Regarding Temporary Bad Health

Wine glasses are where the mugs should be
Colors are vanishing from my closet
Motivation isn't where it could be
And it seems as though I've lost it.

Sigh of Relief

Now that you've really left
I breathe a less heavy sigh
But still my heart heavily resets
Each time your ghost drives by

Though it takes less time to remind myself
- to hear in my head, "We said goodbye"
I can't quite put it back on the shelf
Or stop my hopeful, hallucinating eye.

Beach Towel

Beneath a cool towel wet from the ocean
Nothing felt air but my nose and chin
I remember the warmth and the way it felt
Inside the terrycloth, I would never melt


The comfort that wrapped around -
 - I long for it now -
That perfect balance 
(Chills on my skin, sweat on my brow)


I wonder, if I were to find out how -
 - To get back to that moment on the beach
If I would feel - and hear and see
The same sights and sounds of that serenity.