panic overwhelms
the fork in my career path
no longer distant

no towels to use
the damp piles of uselessness
defiantly exist

the sun is now out?
as i'm packing?  heading home?
whatever, summer.

i've worn my sweater
on cold and wet summer days
its holes are showing

eighteen years ago
i lost someone who loved me
her voice, an echo.

a cold, wet morning
spent huddled over coffee
avoiding our fears

some men offer help
while others watch me struggle
what's the right answer?

some more beer, perhaps,
as the cold wind blows through camp,
and we watch the fire.

rain, rain, go away
a sunshiny vacation
my ultimate goal.

you called me a whore?
my wrath will burn this place down!
oh, you said lover.

when your career turns

and control passes away

you trust the system

my shared challenges
told in a toastmaster speech
my shame, behind me.

i slowly wander

and wonder, "what is beauty?"

through parks and ravines

The bathroom not clean

“who cares?” said the good wifey

But no milk?  That’s war.

handed a letter
unsure of its real intent
i'm acting on faith

sleep away the day
hiding in the sun's warm glow
basking in her heat

a celebration
a life that ended too soon
and took air from ours

the struggle was real
opportunities exist
can we relieve it?

molly, chia pet

continually defies

her impending doom

it cannot be real
i linger online for proof
but do not want it

tough conversation
laughter intermingles it
reality grows

solemn, marching dirge

a week until the truth comes

months until i rest

cake dotting his face
the room freezes; i brace myself
who raised these children?

bright green bicycle

a new toy to become thin

stopping for ice cream

sitting on patio
laptop is warm on my thighs
sun is on my face

opening growler
only two days to drink it
challenge accepted!

lush green with the rain
a jungle of luxury
time to mow again

celebrating treason
or maybe independence
perspective varies

"don't call her a whore",
he said, as if he owns me,
as I whisper, "whore".

pants, one size smaller
encouragement from sales girl
a minor triumph

garbage day drama

as I figure out the bins

I'm sorting my life.