My favorite teacher told me in my youth:
“You’ll always be a leader; that’s your truth.”
This left me feeling special, even proud.
I’d often thought the same, though not out loud.
artwork by Simon DeweyDear child, you came into this world
and made the living sweet.
Right from the start, you owned each heart.
Your smile was bliss, complete.
I hope you’ll listen to my take
on how to find a mate.
My vision is unique and wise.
My counsel is first-rate.
Photo by Danie Franco on Unsplash
My grandma always told me
attitude was everything.
Each point of view was mine to take:
my choice to sigh or sing.
Photo by Shunya Koide on UnsplashTake a whiff of joy-in-store,
of silent tomes that sing.
Ride your neurotransmitters
from Boston to Beijing.
Why must a mother mourn her son at Christmas?
Why must a father lose his daughter fair?
How will we bear the sorrow of this season,
when days ago their laughter filled the air?
Why can’t we just get along?
Can’t our friendship still be strong
even when we disagree?
Why ya gotta wail on me?
Verdun, by Felix Vallottonthen and now, war is the same
guts and glory, brawn and blame
rage, remorse, and alibis
searing truth and crushing lies