My Middle

so perfectly dark
hidden behind black masks
and secret smiles

Toll Statement

**FINAL NOTICE**

Statement ID: 646 days.

License: Pending government approval.

Previous Charges: Empathy. Generosity. Kindness.

New Charges: Betrayal. Ignorance. Deception.

Amount Due: Loyalty. Awareness. Truth.

Due Date: 35 days ago.

**We recommend you send your payment 646 days in advance to allow for forgiveness time.**

DO NOT SEND LIES.

Postage Paid

i want the cute cat
and not the cracked-up pavement
through the broken woods

Youngest Driver

my baby's driving
(i can't believe she's fifteen)
and finding her way

Grin and Bear It

Toy Story 3. Now.
i could carry the bag out
and cry all morning
a toy, a trigger?
my girl is off to college.
(this is no cartoon).
and so he will stay.
though i know she will leave me.
each grinning their truth.

Permitted

with a perfect score
my youngest surprises me
(she’s ready to drive)

Bull-Hearted

like this worn-out dog
i have nearly given up…
yet, i’m a Taurus.
and so i garden
though it, too, is a failure
stolen by flowers
this year’s loss, in pics:
weeds and grass and tearing out
for one little heart

Road Trip 2021, Day Twenty-two (The Final Day)

before the long drive,
enjoy the perfect park. shop.
soak up cousin time.
eat your sister’s meal
till the next time you see her.
too long (just too long).
your daughters will drive.
together, we can make it.
we will rule the night.
it’s all we can rule
with the oldest off to school
we can rule the night.

Road Trip 2021, Day Twenty-One (Water)

cycling through hills
of perfectly green horse farms
before paddling
bucket lists are short
but should include Kentucky
for its soft beauty

Road Trip 2021, Day Nineteen (Views)

sunrise on a pond 
a historic capitol
and these endless hills