Hometown

Peoria swells with angst of teens
Who talk to ghosts, carrying
Souls in rocks and an old
Worn necklace. At the diner
Where they once talked
Sex, they now discuss demons
And talking boards over goosebump arms
Despite the cups of coffee.
Through the cloud of cigarette smoke
Conversation continues.

Beer bong later that night
But his arm is missing all the more blood
Boredom returns all the same
Others' eyes ignore the inexplicable
Friends play drinking games
They don't know who they are talking to
Secrets are shared
We talk of the dead as though they are with us

Sleep creeps in and friends
Of both sexes sleep shoulder
To shoulder. Two lovers fall asleep first
Their friend's laughter slips them
Into dreams of their own.

Close

Arms I have known

for too long, and far too well

laugh when you say

they don't belong around

my legs.

I've watched closely as those arms grew

Let them learn what they already knew.

I Will Listen When I Can't See

if

at all ramblings cost

these words find meaning

within that head

even i cannot convey

then wait

until the turn of the sun

becomes less poetic

and i will turn back

my ear to your words

that tell me of your lips

and i will understand

what i have taught you