Grandmas and Grandpas die,

This is fact.

The way of the world

in all her vicious glory.

This fact is largely accepted

and expected. We know the

old will perish but, even

then, they’re not easily mourned.

For mortality

to a human

is a spider’s web

to a fly.

Worse still

as not all

flies succumb

to such a fate.

We all

succumb to ours,

but, even then,

it is expected.

The unexpected

losses ...

Odette Eldrid always believed her kingdom’s old addage, the streets were paved in blood, to be a tad melodramatic.

For merely a year prior, the young woman couldn’t have imagined such a thing in actuality. The red headed warrior princess could easily imagine it now as she walked through the once bustling street of her capital city.

The very cobblestone street she’d walked down for her coronati...

I am not a butterfly,

I am a moth

which is to say

I am attracted to the light,

but I do not live in it.

I have plenty to say,

but no mouth to speak.

I do no harm,

but strike fear in many.

I am covered in intricate designs,

but not considered anyone’s beautiful.

I am a pollinator bringing life to the world,

but am hardly recognized for my good deeds.

I live a purposeful life

but am not meant...

If your hand could

reach inside my heart,

what would you do with it?

Would you hold

it as you might

a newborn?

With all the

delicacy love

and care

in the world.

Would you

whisper to it

sweet nothings

as it fluttered?

Tell it how

strong and

golden it is,

how beautiful.

Would you rub

it as you might

a sore, aching

back?

Massage away

the pain of

grief and

betrayal.

Would you

kiss it t...

I shall rhyme,

to keep the time.

AA

BB

CC

Don’t forget, DD.

I shall count

so as to know my syllables amount.

One

Two

Three

One, two.

Though, while I may count and rhyme,

my purpose is not only to keep the time.

It’s truly about the emotion;

the power of words well chosen.

See, I know of my power to make you cry

to make your heart twist shrivel up and die.

I even understand how to...

Mr. B meant a lot to me

He was centimeters tall, only three

He scampered and hopped.

Truly, he taught me a lot

Sadly they never let the mouse get his degree...

Is this the right thing to do?

I wish I knew, but I’m only twenty two.

Does this make me weak?

Choosing myself over the meek.

“Legs up here, hon.

Don’t worry. You’ll soon be done.”

A single tear slides from my eye.

Is it right to let my baby die?

The father is gone, no where to be seen.

My parents only bit of advice: “At least you’re not sixteen.”

Is this reason enough?

I take a deep br...

In my dreams, you’re a hero.

The man who pulled

his friends from a burning vehicle.

The one who couldn’t turn a blind eye.

In my dreams, you’re a protector.

The man who made me tell him

just how awful my boyfriend really was.

The one who sought vengeance in my honor.

In my dreams, you’re an adventurer.

The man who traveled the world

making friends wherever you went.

The one who attracted peopl...

Lights in the night sky,

shine bright even as I die.

They twinkle up so high

as a sticky warmth covers my thigh.

Another shot rings out

and my attacker falls with a shout.

He tries to shoot me once more, to make it count,

But he’s shot again. Dead without a doubt.

My partner drops at my side, screaming for aid,

praying for God to trade

as I start to fade.

I’m so afraid.

Blue and red lights fli...

Forgive me Father for I have sinned

I wish the words were not spoken as soon as they leave my lips but I cannot rescind.

Rage — no not rage, that’s the sour taste of shame rising in my belly.

As this rotund robed man listens to my woes, practically jolly.

What have you done, my child?

The words catch in my throat, knowing I am defiled.

I tell the truth; my sin is that I have breathed another day...