16 Watt

Calluses.


Fleshy shields
born from repetition,
born from overuse.


Lips never callus
and a heart,
while it may grow harder,
is always a sponge
sopping pain and
beating stories of
regret.
The realizations of the past
are recounted with each
thump, and
every pump is a step closer
to scarlet tears.


A slow burn.


The pain of living.

Venus de Milo

I'm never going to be in the band

I don't like wearing plaid

and I don't smoke anymore-

but you can stand there in the corner

blowing smoke rings

and listen to my guitar

making little rings in beer glasses

all over the porch of

this cabin surrounded

by trees.

I'm no Dylan

but at least I'm not Dylan

I've always been here

trying off and on to get your attention

then looking away the

moment

you turn your head.

You're the one for me

I think

the one that I admire

the one that I can see myself

without

like that statue

missing it's arms.

I'd climb a mountain for you

and not tell you about it;

but leave a little note at

the top under

a rock

telling you

about the climb.

I will always be here

I think

sitting in the corner,

looking away

when you turn,

making little rings

in your drink-

not totally

unlike

Dylan.