Gypsy

Her dark skin was gypsy like

warm on my intrepid fingertips,

as I stroke her back

staring lazily at the tattoo

in the curve between her shoulder blades.

She rolls over and takes my hand

it makes the perfect physique.

We are perfect for a snapshot moment

before the realities of who we are

washes everything away in the blink of an eye.

I look up again 

and you’re walking across the street

giving me a sanctimonious wave

without breaking stride in the least.

And I smile back

thinking about the pewter pendant 

that covers where your heart is.

It’s part of her atheism and faith

and I know she sleeps with it on. 

A Winter Fire

A winter fire her grey eyes shine

seeing straight through me

to the embers that remain of the day.

Summer started tonight

and even blades of grass

are touched and bend to the will

of hovering June solstice.

Silver gleaming hair

and flawless olive skin,

she dances with the fallen shadows

outstretched her slender form,

beckoning me into her cadence.

We move like vigilant wolves

we move like avid lovers

and the full moon follows in pursuit

witnessing the embrace of ages.

She holds lavender candle wax in one hand

and a pair of dice in the other,

my spark to and apprehension.   

Photography by The Amazing K. Gleason 
I know I spelled sorrow wrong but used a program I can't correct it on.  

Sea Lion Song

The sea lions we sang with

driving through Cannon beach;

the soul of the sound pierces my dreams.

Half across the universe

you're still in reach

I see you in rose pedals floating on tea.

The firewood was wet

but we didn't need it.

We had our porters and stout to keep us warm.

The nights I spent

allured by your breathing,

carry me beyond paroxysm,
........... fury and ardor in the storm.

There's a single firefly

swirling around my fingers

and I'm in love with her name.

Her glow is a fade

but her poetry lingers,

in beautiful but deadly refrains.  

One Taste

Take one taste
it's all it takes
and follow me to where
the quicksand quakes.
Into the chains of seduction
Three lines and I'm done
I don't expect anything less
than unadulterated meaningless fun
with horizon tidings
and a band of seraphim;
come away with me tonight,
I'll show you how to be young again.

St. Paul and Centre

Walking down St. Paul

passing Victorian gaping windows

and royal towers left to decompose.

Winters cavernous shadows

replaced by summer shade

I think about her smiling

though I'd lead the black parade.

Rooftop dancing and cheap liquor,

June birds know the wayward hymnal

and city to city I go skyline lusting.

Exuberant.

I've fallen on the blade,

I've sung the stainless steel serenade,

All is not fair in love and war

but occasionally worth it anyway.

"It'll just be some ghost, that sneaks out at sunset

                                    .....just to end up drunk on your doorstep." - Chris Pureka

Train Station Love

She blows me atomic kisses
and my heart explodes,
together we're in train station love
and the rest is beyond our control.
She reads my mind
on the crowded platform
and nurses my wanting stare.
When we're  together
part of me is better
and I'm brave enough for the dare.


I still talk to my shoes
when there's nothing to lose....


She's the most beautiful color that I've ever seen,
I cant keep it from my heart
Lover, I'd tell you everything,
if I just knew where to start.

Whiskey Lullaby

An ashtray overfilling with confessions

empty green bottles now collecting rain,

I am ready now to turn out the lights

eyes heavy under the water stains.  

This is the time where you say to me

"we weren't meant for this world",

your broken strings still play love songs

but your facade can't remember the words.

One more ride on the gondolier

one more stolen cigarette kiss

every smile covers one of your tragedies

and it's what I've come to miss.

There will never be another

that will sing to me the silhouette blues

early in the sawdust of morning

sweet and out of tune.

I wish that I had a love song for you

if my ink would only comply

I wrap every intimate detail

in a whiskey lullaby.