In a lighter moment,
I recognized my patterns.
I noted the development of my style.

there's an "Icarus Cycle"-
with the last entry made at the end of April-
where wings of wax
and falling images
slipped into poem after poem,
some happy,
many not.

My capitalization rules
vary and change.
Once I followed a self-rule
Of every line
Beginning with a capital.
Then it changed
to only every complete
phrase,
or it's commencement.
Sometimes I'm too tired to care.

I play a little more too,
when I'm intentional
and not just writing for practice.
I play with indentation,
with punctuation.

I can't wait
to see how I'll grow.

I can create
inside a kitchen,
but I lack the confidence
to do so with wild abandon.
I hesitate,
I check and re-check,
then check again.
There is so much that could go wrong,
and there are others' happiness at stake.

I do not need people
to tear down
things I am proud of,
or even me.
I am critical enough of myself.
I don't need you
to remind me
of how pathetic I am.

How self-centered,
how vain am I?
To think that my own failures
make me so pathetic
that I am worthless
even though
the Creator of the Universe
has deemed me forgiven
and Loved.

Perhaps I really am as pathetic
as I fear.

there's circular reasoning
in there somewhere.
Where is the weak link
that I might break this chain?

Panic, panic,
putting myself forward,
paving a future,
probably, hopefully.
Perhaps I'll fail.
Possibly not.

Names are Power

Guard who you are;
Names have power;
Hide your identity
In secrets and lies.
Names are power;
You can build Laura up,
Repeating her name
In comforting tones
That say you see her.
Tear David down,
Whispering his name
In time with "slut"
And "immature fool."
Turn that one invisible
Or mighty by hearing
Their name
But never letting it past your lips.
Names have power.

Mais comment vous vous appelez?

I am home,
A cat on my lap
And peace settling about me
As I rest with family.

I have needed this-
A break,
A chance to breathe.
All I could ever want.

Isn't that so?
Isn't that all anyone needs?