keep your chin up

I’m afraid of losing what I have.

you have your heart in the earth

and your hands in the sea

when my soul is near yours

it helps me to breathe

          …you know, my words could never sing quite like yours do.

goodnight, all.

from my bed

tucked beneath a pile of blankets

i can see

the ebony sky

trees illuminated by the streetlights

branches blowing back and forth 

creaking, arthritic limbs 

gracefully accepting

the movement that the strong wind creates 

the leaves all whisper in unison

that fuck-it-all song

of burdenlessness and possibility

cue the train.

“Raymond was out of the restaurant, almost gasping for air.  The sea breeze was stronger now, heavy with the smell of salt and of ocean mist. He walked to the edge of the cliff and bent over, taking very deep and slow breaths. Soon, his mind cleared somewhat.”