Between Sets
hectic workers,
yawning dates.
it’s not late yet,
still bustling.
i look for anyone else
here alone.
i wonder if i’m judged
for my button-up dress shirt.
does anyone here know i care?
does it matter?
at least i’m comfortable,
at least it’s loud.
i can disappear
into a world i’m barely a part of.
write poems, drink my beer,
dance to the music,
but only a little.
my life is about to change.
maybe this is my way to hold on,
to that kid at the fireball expresso cafe,
to that kid writing lyrics to “llamar vannoy”
all over his psychology folder.
i’ve come a long way since then.
i’m building new roots,
growing, slowly.
chicago is my city.
i hope i’m ready for it.
Cold
Some nights, all you need
is a chorus of radiators
to remind you you’re alone.
Promises
i’ll make myself vulnerable,
if you return the favor.
maybe i’ll even dance,
if you promise not to laugh.
the music is starting now,
but i don’t know who you are.
A Look In The Eye
what do you need?
time, fulfillment, love?
how about $35,000, forget about the rest?
i assume you’re for sale?
sixty hours, if you care.
fifty and some guilt if you don’t.
the labor movement created the weekend,
for everyone else.
it’s about to take mine away.
i lie and say,
“i’m not afraid.”
Table In The Front Bar
candles burn and drown in wax
candles burn and drown
candles burn
flash, flicker, fade –
wait!
there is more life, or
there can be
if someone is delicate
if someone has a flame to share.
a tenuous arrangement at best,
but beautiful too.
please,
no one breathe.
