wrinkles

what lies between those grooves inside,
the wrinkles of my brain?
if I take it out and rinse them off,
would the fear be washed away?

my heart, my breath, would they dissolve
at the douse of lukewarm water
that flows between the valleys and folds?

how hardy are the roots that bind
my self beneath the doubt?
those which are bound between those grooves inside
the wrinkles of my brain.

summer

cicada skins picked from the trunks of sycamore trees
searching for lightning bugs under oak leaves
itchy ankles from the bites of bush mites
water skippers gliding over hidden creeks

searching for lightning bugs under oak leaves
ripped jean overalls with dirt-stained knees
water skippers gliding over hidden creeks
spiky little burrs clinging to dirty white socks

ripped jean overalls with dirt-stained knees
blistered palms gripping strong branches
spiky little burrs clinging to dirty white socks
chlorinated pools smelled with sun-burnt noses

blistered palms gripping strong branches
cicada skins picked from the trunks of sycamore trees
chlorinated pools smelled with sun-burnt noses
itchy ankles from the bites of bush mites

death of a star

collapsing inward
tragic weight, too much to bear
I am a black hole

the closet

at the end of the hallway, there exists a closet
it watches me and gloats
daring me to draw nearer
with a dull and taunting hum

a black abyss is concealed within
failure, shame, and risk
devils, beasts, and ghouls

I fear it would inflict its pain upon me
and subdue me with brute force
so I turn away from the thought
of unlocking the hallway closet

* * *

at the end of the hallway, there exists a closet
it comforts me with promises
beckoning me to draw nearer
with a sweet enchanting song

a world of possibilities is harbored within
shelter, peace, and light
spirit, friends, and life

I trust it will share its truth with me
and show me the right path
so I take a step toward the thought
of unlocking the hallway closet