Insomnia

It sounded so simple.
Lay down.
Close eyes.
Sleep.

It almost seems like dying.

Regression (A social commentary)

We took many steps forward.
Watched as great children turned into great men and women.

One day we tripped -- a collective trip, all of us.
That fall had greater repercussions than we could expect.

All that progress, all that enlightenment,
null.

What is now left on the surface:
our ignorance,
our insecurities,
our prejudices.

Can't we just take one step forward?

Donation

My heart bleeds for you but I can only give so much blood.

Inconsequential

I slapped the top of the pond and watched the rippling waves.

I almost cried.
I knew in my heart, no matter how much of
a fuss,
a ruckus,
a fit
or
a scene I made --

my true feelings would never be able to ride these ripples
and reach your guarded shore.

Innocence

She held my hand tight.
It was her first time;
I felt her anticipation.

Suddenly a small bolt shot into the sky.

Pop.

A flourish of color.

Pop.

Another flourish. She grasped my hand tighter.
I looked down and smiled, taking in the pure joy and jubilee on her face.

"Happy 4th of July sweetheart."

The Veteran

I watched as he sat in a recliner, his body slumped into it. He stared intently out the sliding door window, watching the trees sway in the breeze.

In his eyes, I saw an infinite sadness. One found only in those so jaded that even cynics would come to see optimism.

He sighed.
I sighed.

Silence.

I couldn't help but to ask myself: "Has he given up on life?"
Unfortunately, I came to a much sadder conclusion:
Life had given up on him.

The Ex

Forced smiles trapped in faded polaroids.

A box marked "memory best forgotten."

Why do I still keep them?

Because they remind me that I am happy now.