(seagulls ignoring)

seagulls ignoring

multiple Private Dock and

No Trespassing signs

Even Though

Even though my mother is homophobic,

I still appreciate the fact that I

inherited her artistic, do-it-yourself ingenuity.

 

Even though my father is homophobic,

I am still thankful that I

inherited his gregarious professionalism and social skills. 

 

Even though my parents think

I'm going to hell and breaking their hearts,

that my being queer causes people --

and appliances -- to literally die, and that I 

and anyone like me are ruining the country,

I am still grateful that I

grew up feeling safe and loved as a child. 

 

Even though it is no longer safe for me to

spend time with my parents,

and I grieve the fact that they think I am evil,

and I wish they they would love me

for being the tender, compassionate, brave person

I have become,

I still feel fortunate that they

made me who I am today.

 

I am confident and soft and bold and kind and caring

and queer

even though

they are not.

(A good relationship)

A good relationship

keeps you feeling both

completely adored and

completely humbled.

Thank You!

By all accounts, the LEVITATE Holland Arts Festival was a success!  Thanks to all of you who attended the poetry program yesterday.  A very special thanks to Charmayne, Javier, Jessy, Kathy, Kenzie, and Marianna -- as well as Katherine and Rissa -- for your support!

Performing at LEVITATE: Holland Arts Festival

I am pleased to announce that I have been invited to perform at the inaugural LEVITATE: Holland Arts Festival and will be participating during the POETRY BLOCK that afternoon.

 

LEVITATE: Holland Arts Festival

Saturday, Feb. 21, from 2:40 to 3:40 p.m. (POETRY BLOCK)

Herrick District Library Auditorium 

300 S. River Ave.

Holland, MI  49423 

 

Please join us! 

(the smell of a coffeehouse)

the smell of a coffeehouse:
one of the things I fell
in love with in college

Snow Garden

Our yard was a garden
of snow and our father
was the gardener. He
made snow forts and
an obstacle course of
sorts for my sisters and
me in the front yard one
winter. It was an exciting
adventure, and a little
bit scary, but I felt safe
knowing that Dad was
guiding the sled and
guarding the fort. I still
remember his laugh
that day as we squealed
with delight, holding tight
to the orange, plastic sled.

(last glass of eggnog)

last glass of eggnog
on the last day of the year
last sips; last seconds

Christmas Time

Spices and glitter mix and mingle
with cozy, jolly food and folks
as carols and choruses jingle
in rooms full of stories and jokes.

(hot tea:)

hot tea:

a comfort and

a companion

Thanksgiving Traffic

Three miles in an
hour and a half --
bumper-to-bumper
interstate congestion and
stomach indigestion,
angry drivers with
hungry kids, no
exit in sight, and
no explanation.
Arrivals delayed;
hugs and hand-
shakes on hold;
dinners postponed.
It was easy to get
irritated and impatient,
until we saw
the white sheet
on the ground.
Suddenly, we were
thankful for the
fume-filled air that
we were breathing.

(The narcissist has)

The narcissist has

a bottomless appetite

for power, chaos and control.

(Red, gold, brown, green and)

Red, gold, brown, green and
orange leaves form mosaics
on neighborhood lawns.

(And just like that,)

And just like that,

I have a new 

skin tag.

Summer Simplicity

As summer begins to
close her eyes in
exchange for fall's
awakening, I want
to remember these
days; what it feels
like to slip into
sandals, and hop into
the car without a
jacket and drive to
meet some friends
with Tennessee's green
hills in front of me and
the sun on my back.

(His putrid, pungent odor)

His putrid, pungent odor
soured the symphony show
for me.

(a cardinal and a bluebird)

a cardinal and a bluebird
sitting on a white fence
suddenly feeling patriotic

(summertime snow)

summertime snow
cottonwood seeds
float, flit and blow

(morning tea after)

morning tea after
the morning rain
drop after drop

Sticky Fingers: Like a Kid in a Candy Store

Dear Co-worker:

My candy dish is a gesture of goodwill -- meant to be
visited a couple of times during the workday in moderation --
not a vehicle by which to fill your child's entire Easter basket.

Signed,

Your Supposed Sugar Mommy