(untitled)

I.
To live is to ache
that’s the first thing I thought
when my first son was born.
“Welcome to life,
it ain’t a picnic.”
I knew that from
that moment on,
he too will
sometimes
ache.



III.

Sometimes they hit me
and it feels good
when you know
there’s no malice,
and there’s even some
tenderness.
You feel safe
although it
still hurts.


V.

Every once in a while
I don’t get a phone call,
somebody gives up
on me.
Decides it’s not worth it
and really
it’s not.
They make it easier
on themselves
and on me.
Lighten the baggage
I need to bear
every day.
And I thank them
for being broken.

II.

I barely made it
to my 30s
with my tongue
sticking out.
Life has been kinder
since then.
But I can’t help wondering
what the world has
in store for me next.
If at all.



IV.

I now want something
and it makes me sad.
If you want to be happy
you can’t afford to want
something,
unless that something
is not being
sad.