Orlando

what makes one man think
he can be judge, jury, and
executioner

monsters
in the closet
only a mirror

Muffled

shouting at the void
trying to keep the silence
from smothering me

rain falls
on a carpet
of autumn leaves

Secrets

I shed my skin and
hang another skeleton
deep in my closet

alone
with my fetid
alter ego

Passage

after a brief rest
a bevy of mourning doves
suddenly takes flight

released
upon wings
across the sun
dedicated to Philip Rigney

Kismet

unkempt and homeless
in need of a shower and
a touch of kindness

pray that fate
doesn’t bring you
to my level

Vixen

a warm summer night
the plaintive cries of a fox
echo from the woods

a burrow
tail wrapped
around her kits

Scars

it’s just a small cut
and it’s the last time, I swear
until the next one

self destruction
a trail of history
on my arms

Apprehension

since you got sent home
I’ve been sitting by your side
praying you’ll return

waiting-
trying not
to lose hope

Risk

don’t gamble on me
there’s far too much at stake and
you don’t know the score

what you see
I choose
to show

Anxiety

I’m never alone
my ally, my enemy
you’re always with me

ever present
that little voice
of self doubt